Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes determining a phase offset by simultaneously providing a calibration signal to a first element of an antenna and a second element of the antenna opposite the first element. The method further includes receiving an intermix signal by a third element of the antenna, measuring an amplitude characteristic for the intermix signal, and determining a phase offset based on the amplitude characteristic. The phase offset can be used to adjust a signal provided to the first element so that signals transmitted from the first element and second element are in phase with each other. This method can account for phase errors due to the construction or design of the antenna, and allows antenna elements to be calibrated without the need for phase detector devices.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw includes a threaded screw shank and a screw head having upper and lower ends. The screw head lower end is secured to a proximal end of said screw shank. The screw head has substantially frustospherical shaped side surfaces and is split into segments at one of the ends. The head is radially expandable at the one end. An expansion screw is centrally received in the screw head. An interface between the expansion screw and the screw head forms a cam mechanism for expanding the screw head upon axial rotation of the expansion screw.

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical fiber connector includes the steps of providing a ferrule with an internal through passage, and using a gas for treating a surface of the internal through passage to enhance a bonding capability of the surface. Adhesive is introduced into at least a portion of the internal through passage and at least one optical fiber is secured to the surface of the internal through passage by the adhesive. Another method includes the steps of providing the ferrule with an internal through passage including a shoulder, a window that extends through a side surface, and a cap having at least a portion inserted into the window. Adhesive is introduced into at least a portion of the internal through passage and is in engagement with the shoulder for providing an axial stop for securing at least one optical fiber with respect to the internal through passage.

Abstract: A method for disposing of carbon dioxide is provided. According to the invention, CO2 is dissolved in seawater and the salinity of the seawater is increased to produce CO2-containing brine. The CO2-containing brine is denser than the seawater from which it is made. Therefore, when it is released into the ocean, the CO2-containing brine sinks to depth and sequesters the carbon dioxide. The brine may be produced by forming CO2 hydrate, which extracts fresh water from the seawater. Alternatively, the brine may be produced by forming water ice from the seawater and injecting CO2 into the seawater either before or, more preferably, after the water ice has been formed.

Abstract: There is disclosed reverse billing in online search. A telephony server may receive a request from a user to cause a telephone call to be established between the user and a merchant. A notice to the merchant may be generated. The notice may include an offer to establish a telephone call with the user in exchange for payment of a definite fee. An acceptance of the offer may be received from the merchant. A first voice communication leg with the user and a second voice communication leg with the merchant may be bridged to establish the telephone call between the user and the merchant. The definite fee may be appear on the merchant's bill for telephone service.

Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.

Abstract: There is provided fiber optic local convergence points that provide preconnectorized functionality to eliminate all or most of the splicing associated with local convergence points in fiber optic distribution networks. The local convergence points provide a plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports adapted to receive a preconnectorized end of a distribution cable within the enclosure of the local convergence point, on the enclosure itself, or outside the enclosure. For example, the local convergence point may provide preconnectorized multi-fiber ports outside the enclosure with an accumulator optically connected to the interior of the local convergence with an accumulator cable, wherein the accumulator comprises the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports.

Abstract: An inline CVD system includes a manifold and a continuous transport system. The manifold has a plurality of ports. The ports include a first precursor port, a pair of second precursor ports and a pair of pumping ports. The first precursor port is disposed between the second precursor ports and the pair of second precursor ports is disposed between the pumping ports. The first precursor port and the pair of second precursor ports are configured for coupling to a first precursor gas source and a second precursor gas source, respectively, and the pumping ports are configured to couple to a discharge system to exhaust the first and second precursor gases during a CVD process. The continuous transport system transports a substrate adjacent to the plurality of ports during the CVD process.

Abstract: A spine implant system having two or more adjacent segments that have a male-female annular interlocking relationship for increased mechanical stability and resistance to relative translation and rotation. One or more segments is provided with at least one perforation channel or void to promote osteo-induction within the segment. Optionally, two adjacent segments have at least one common or aligned perforation channel or void. Two or more spaced apart portions of a segment surface are optionally chamfered to provide easier fabrication and/or positioning of the segment. Two spaced apart exposed surface planes of an interlocked segment pair optionally are axially oriented at a small positive angle relative to each other, to approximate natural spine curvature. Segments in some embodiments have a curvilinear delta cross sectional shape and/or have crosshatched grooves in exposed surfaces. Many of the embodiments are useful in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Abstract: An air drying arrangement for a commercial vehicle is provided having two or more desiccant canisters arranged in parallel on a single air dryer body. The arrangement may include a coupling device that attaches to the body and allows the two or more desiccant containing canisters to mount to the device. The arrangement may be configured to balance the flow of air to each of the desiccant containing canisters when drying air and/or when regenerating the desiccant.

Abstract: A control system, a hybrid control module, and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle are provided. The hybrid control module includes a computer and a plurality of predefined values and steps stored and implemented by the computer in response to a signal from the hybrid control module and input from an operator. Each of the plurality of predefined values and steps controls a component of the hybrid vehicle or controls a plurality of functions within the hybrid control module. The hybrid control module provides conventional vehicle functionality and feel to the hybrid vehicle in response to operator input.

Abstract: A contraband detection system includes one or more detection devices operatively coupled to a spreader beam of a cargo container crane system. Detection devices may include an X-ray scanner, a detection apparatus, and a sensor array. The X-ray scanner is operative for outputting high-energy X-rays capable of penetrating through the contents of the cargo container. The X-ray scanner is movable from an inactive first position that facilitates engagement of the spreader beam with the cargo container to an active second position that facilitates the scanning of the contents of the cargo container. The detection apparatus is similarly deployable from a first position to a second position and includes a plurality of limbs capable of rotation about a plurality of axes. The detection apparatus further includes a radiation source and a receptor plate.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.

Abstract: A vending machine has one or more resilient members placed in each row from which products are vended. As product moves through the row, the product abuts against the resilient member and is forced into an upright and aesthetically pleasing orientation. Further forward movement forces the resilient member out of the path of the product's movement.

Abstract: An improved tabbed divider making apparatus is disclosed. The machine preferably improves upon existing tabbed divider making machines in its ease of use and efficiency. Among other elements, the machine may include a paper feeder, a processing section, and an output tray. An improved film delivery system is also disclosed, as well as methods relating to manufacturing of tabbed dividers.

Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.

Abstract: A handle structure includes a reinforcing flap struck from a handle panel to define at least a part of a handle opening for insertion of a user's hand. The reinforcing flap comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to one another by a narrow portion defined by an indent in a free edge of the reinforcing flap.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of fly ash obtained from an incineration process of a waste incineration plant, in particular for municipal solid waste, whereby fly ash is separated from the incineration process. Furthermore, a method for the operation of a waste incineration plant, in particular for municipal solid waste or the like. The process for the treatment of fly ash is further characterized in that metals and/or metal containing compounds, in particular heavy metals and/or heavy metal containing compounds, are separated from the fly ash, which is separated from the combustion process and preferably non-fractioned, in a separation step and subsequently the fly ash reduced by the metals and/or metal containing compounds is, preferably dosed, mixed with or added to the waste to be incinerated so that the mineral parts of the fly ash, reduced by its metals and/or metal containing compounds, are returned to the combustion process.

Abstract: An R-410A DX heating/cooling system with: an electrical generating expansion device; with a protective means for refrigerant transport tubing containing dissimilar metals and/or in corrosive environments; with an automatic heating mode expansion device; with a TXV by-pass design; with retractable sub-surface tubing designs; with sub-surface line set sizing at varying depths and lengths; with reciprocal compressor sizing; with a DX Hydronic system design; with an improved oil separator float design; with a mobile DX system design; and with a resting module DX system design.

Abstract: An electronically controlled lock with a single throw acting as a passage lock and also as a deadbolt lock is provided by the invention. The lock is equipped with an electronic activation device on its exterior housing and a door lever on its internal housing. A user unlocks the door from outside by touching an electronic key against the electronic activation device. After the door is unlocked, the throw acts as a passage lock. The door can be locked internally by moving the door lever from a horizontal position upwardly to a vertical position.