Abstract: Methods for the preparation of nanosized nutrient formulations for enhanced absorption of nutritional agents. The methods include the complexation of cyclodextrin with carotenoids and incorporation of the complexes into the nutritional supplements without intermediate collection, isolation, and drying steps.

Abstract: The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique asymmetric pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The asymmetric pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes different sized free floating spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in interior cavities of respective corresponding different sized valving components that make up the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sub-millimeter scale curved surface on a substrate (10) includes cutting a plurality of trenches (12) of varying depth into the substrate (10). The depth of the trenches (12) corresponds to a desired surface profile. The substrate (10) is etched to remove material left (16) between the trenches to form the curved surface.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that allow power control and/or hand off operations to be performed in a wireless network in a manner that can enhance overall network throughput. In at least one embodiment, signal to noise ratio (SNR) and a signal to interference ratio (SIR) are obtained for a first mobile device within a wireless network. The SNR and SIR are then used to perform power control in the network (e.g., for the first mobile device). The SNR and SIR may also be used to facilitate hand off operations. In one approach, it may be determined whether the SNR and the SIR are each high or low, based on comparison with predetermined threshold values, in order to make a power control decision.

Abstract: In a structure having a fractional-N synthesizer driven by a voltage controlled oscillator, frequency accuracy is maintained by first using the fractional-N synthesizer to correct large frequency errors and then slowly transferring correction from the fractional-N synthesizer to the voltage controlled oscillator a little at a time.

Abstract: Superabrasive tools having improved caustic resistance and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. One aspect may include a method of providing caustic resistance along an entire working surface of a superabrasive tool having embedded superabrasive particles. Such a method may include forming a protective layer through reaction between a reactive source and a reactive element in situ along substantially all of the working surface at an interface between the reactive source and a support matrix including the reactive element, and between each of a plurality of superabrasive particles and the support matrix. At least a portion of the reactive source may then be removed to expose the protective layer. In some aspects, the protective layer may be substantially continuous.

Abstract: A flagpole winch that fits inside the internal hollow space a flagpole and is configured to alternatively wind or unwind a cord spool or to lock the cord spool into a rotational position. The winch uses a release spindle that unlocks an actuator mechanism when turned in either direction, allowing the cord spool to be positively rotated in either direction. Once the positive input or turning ceases, the continuous tension on the cord causes the actuator mechanism to automatically lock to arrest the cord spool.

Abstract: A micro-rheometer for measuring flow characteristics such as viscosity, elasticity, and flow rate of a sample liquid combines well defined micro-fabricated flow channels having geometry changes forming a constriction region therein to a monolithically fabricated pressure sensor arrays. The pressure sensor array positions pressure sensors to measure the viscosity of the sample liquid while flowing in a uniform length of the flow passage and to measure the extensional viscosity while flowing through the constriction region of the passage. The invention can improve the measurement accuracy of the flow rate, viscosities, or elasticities over a wide range of shear rate. The accuracy of the viscosity over a broader range of shear rate or flow rate measurement over broader range of flow rates can be accomplished by employing monolithically integrated pressure sensors fabricated with different sensitivities disposed in a known manner.

Abstract: A method for manufacture and delivery of an emulsion explosive having a discontinuous oxidizer solution phase, a continuous fuel phase, and an emulsifier, the method comprising: (a) providing an emulsion manufacturing system; (b) conveying an oxidizer solution phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (c) conveying a fuel phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (d) forming an emulsion from the oxidizer solution and the fuel phases using only a portion of the pre-determined pressures so as to provide a usable residual pressure after the formation of the emulsion; and (e) utilizing the residual pressure to non-mechanically deliver the emulsion to a pre-determined location.

Abstract: A breast scanning system scans a breast of a patient with transducer arrays that transmit and receive ultrasound signals in a bath containing a medium, such as a liquid. A table is disposable over the bath to receive the patient thereon, and has an aperture formed in the table and positionable over the bath to receive the breast of the patient pendent therethrough and into the bath. The table is linearly vertically displaceable with respect to the bath. The system includes a preconditioning tank to precondition the liquid prior to being introduced into the bath. The bath includes means for securing the breast within the bath.

Abstract: A basic life support system (BLSS) includes a processing element and an output element, such as a display screen or an audio output element, for providing an individual with real-time instructions on providing emergency medical care to a patient until paramedics or other healthcare professionals arrive to take over care for the patient. The instructions may be provided as graphics, including animations, as text, audibly, or as a combination of visible and audible elements. The BLSS may be configured for providing emergency medical care to individuals who have suffered from ventricular fibrillation. Accordingly, the BLSS may also include a defibrillation apparatus, an air or oxygen supply, a respiratory interface, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A manifold device for a multi-jet pool fixture includes a central chamber having a jet interface surface. An inlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows fluid to flow into the central chamber and out a plurality of openings disposed in the jet interface surface. An outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows water to flow out of the central chamber.

Abstract: Techniques and structures are provided to support a short-NAV type wireless medium reservation scheme in a network that utilizes adaptive modulation techniques. The conventional long-NAV medium reservation technique uses a medium reservation period that reserves a wireless medium until the end of a present frame exchange. The short-NAV medium reservation technique, on the other hand, uses a medium reservation period that reserves the wireless medium until the end of the next transmission of the other communicating node involved in a frame exchange. In some embodiments, a short-NAV technique is provided where a medium reservation period is determined based upon a suggested data rate. If a device decides not to use the suggested data rate, the device may utilize packet fragmentation techniques to ensure that a subsequent data transmission does not exceed the specified medium reservation period.

Abstract: A method for generating electrical current indirectly from ocean wave action based on the reciprocating surge of the ocean that directly results from the overhead wave action. The method includes (a) positioning an energy transducer below overhead wave action and at a depth and orientation substantially responsive to reciprocating water surges arising from the overhead wave action; and (b) powering the energy transducer by the surges in alternating first and second directions to generate electrical current.

Abstract: An applicator and method for application of electromagnetic energy to an area of tissue is described. The applicator includes a visually-transparent, high-dielectric interfacing assembly which has a conformable tissue-engaging surface and an opposed antenna-engaging surface. At least one balanced, circularly-polarized antenna is disposed in a plane substantially parallel and adjacent to the antenna-engaging surface. The interfacing assembly and at least one antenna are substantially transparent to enable visual viewing of the area of tissue. This enables monitoring of the tissue for adverse treatment effects while electromagnetic energy is being applied to the at least one antenna and radiated into the tissue.

Abstract: Complex antennas weights for use in beamforming in a multiple-antenna system are determined based upon clear channel assessment (CCA) information in a wireless networking environment.

Abstract: A Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell includes a plurality of hot electrodes interspersed with a plurality of ground electrodes whereby a power supply connected between the hot and ground electrodes creates a non-thermal plasma between the electrodes. The hot electrodes are hermetically sealed by a rubber material such as a siloxane material surrounding portions of the hot electrodes. The cells are useful in odor removal systems to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams and in gas purification and sterilizing systems which utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules, VOC's, and other contaminants. Where a plurality of cells are electrically connected in parallel, shorts in a cell can be detected by sensing the difference in currents feed to each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A game apparatus including at least one rebound surface and flexible material dividing the rebound surface into at least two play areas includes a rebound surface mounting frame and a flexible material mounting frame coupled to hold the frames in substantially fixed relationship but allow movement of one frame in relation to the other for stress relief between the frames. At least one cross member supports the flexible material between play areas and reinforces the flexible material mounting frame. The individual play areas are formed by separate preassembled flexible material units that are mounted in the flexible material mounting frame and then secured together to for the individual play areas. The flexible material mounting frame includes walk bars and also supports basket assemblies used in game play.

Abstract: A cutting device comprises a base having a solidified organic material layer disposed thereon. A plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements are secured in the solidified organic material layer. Each of the plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements has a substantially matching geometric configuration.

Abstract: A cytocentrifuge sample chamber includes a sample receiving well to receive and hold a sample to be centrifuged and a sedimentation chamber adjacent a microscope slide upon which cells and/or other sediment material in the sample is to be deposited. A passage, such as a spillway, connects the sample receiving well and the sedimentation chamber, so that sample flows from the sample well under the influence of centrifugal force as centifugation begins into the sedimentation chamber where the sample is forced by centrifugal force against the microscope slide leaving a vacant space at the inner end of the sedimentation chamber. Sedimentation of the sample takes place against the microscope slide. When centrifugation ends, the liquid components of the sample flow back into the vacant space in the sedimentation chamber and can be removed from the vacant space at the inner end of the sedimentation chamber through a removal chamber.