Abstract: This invention relates to novel surface modified viral capsids and recombinant virions comprising the same. Furthermore, this invention concerns intermediates for the preparation of surface modified viral capsids. The surface modified viral capsids are designed to selectively and/or more efficiently deliver gene therapy. The surface modified viral capsids, when incorporated into a recombinant virion, can be used to treat an illness that is characterized by genetic abnormality.

Abstract: A piezo-electric actuator on the side of a mobile device will enable pressure exerted by the user to be sensed at the conventional button locations, while providing a haptic feedback. Unfortunately, mechanical integration of piezo-electric actuators at the side of a mobile device is challenging. A mobile device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a PCB; an outer frame surrounding the PCB; and a switch. The switch comprises: a first piezo-electric actuator configured to generate a first actuator voltage signal in response to a first force applied by a user, and to generate a first haptic feedback to the user in response to a first haptic voltage signal transmitted from the controller thereto; and a first virtual button in the outer frame configured to transmit the first force to the first piezo-electric actuator, and to transmit the first haptic feedback to the user.

Abstract: A gesture detection system comprising a virtual button structure for mounting in an outer frame of a mobile device for detecting finger gestures by a user. First and second piezo-electric actuators are in contact with the virtual button structure, and configured to generate first and second varying electrical signals, respectively in response to a dynamic force application to the virtual button structure. A processor is configured to execute instructions stored in memory to i) determine a magnitude and a position of the dynamic force application on the virtual button structure over time, based on the first varying electrical signal and the second varying electrical signal, ii) determine a gesture corresponding to the magnitude and the position of the dynamic force application over time; and iii) provide a response signal based on the gesture.

Abstract: Typically, the displacement of piezo-electric actuators is quite small. Accordingly, some sort of amplification may be needed for specific applications to amplify the displacement of the piezo-electric actuator, and thereby amplify the haptic feedback. For all solutions, the goal is to amplify the displacement of a moveable mass in order to increase vibration to improve the haptic feedback. If the host device is a wearable or portable device, e.g. a smart watch, it would be preferable to excite a heavy moveable mass that is already part of the assembly to harvest enough energy to transmit to the interface with the user. If the device is a large display, e.g. a display in a vehicle info system, the display itself could be the moveable mass.

Abstract: In a driver for a piezo-electric transducer, when a converter circuit and a sensing circuit are the same circuit, many limitations exist on the accuracy of the sensing, due to multiple parasitic effects arising from the interconnection of the power devices. These limitations may limit viability of the sensing for many applications, in particular an accurate determination of when the force on the piezo-electric transducer is fully removed. Providing an additional switch in the sensing circuit configured to repeatedly zero the sensed voltage across the piezo-electric transducer each time the sensed voltage reaches a threshold voltage generates a plurality of voltage segments between zero and the threshold voltage. Accordingly, a controller may then be configured to generate a digital reconstruction of the sensed voltage across the piezo-electric transducer by adding the plurality of voltage segments.

Abstract: A piezo-electric actuator on the side of a mobile device will enable pressure exerted by the user to be sensed at the conventional button locations, while providing a haptic feedback. Unfortunately, mechanical integration of piezo-electric actuators at the side of a mobile device is challenging. A mobile device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a PCB; an outer frame surrounding the PCB; and a switch. The switch comprises: a first piezo-electric actuator configured to generate a first actuator voltage signal in response to a first force applied by a user, and to generate a first haptic feedback to the user in response to a first haptic voltage signal transmitted from the controller thereto; and a first virtual button in the outer frame configured to transmit the first force to the first piezo-electric actuator, and to transmit the first haptic feedback to the user.

Abstract: Piezoelectric elements are attractive for systems in which both sensing and actuating is required because a single element, i.e. the piezoelectric actuator, can be used that act as both a sensor and an actuator. In conventional systems combining both actuating and sensing functionality, active circuitry is required to read the sensor, and that circuitry requires static and/or dynamic current from a few microamps to a few milliamps. In systems where buttons are used a few times a day, this requirement for current leads to a significant amount of wasted power. Accordingly, a wake-up circuit is provided that does not draw power when no force is applied to the piezoelectric actuator but is capable of detecting pressure applied to the piezo actuator, generate a power-up signal to the actuating circuit, and initiate a haptic feedback with low-latency.

Abstract: In a driver for a piezo-electric transducer, when a converter circuit and a sensing circuit are the same circuit, many limitations exist on the accuracy of the sensing, due to multiple parasitic effects arising from the interconnection of the power devices. These limitations may limit viability of the sensing for many applications, in particular an accurate determination of when the force on the piezo-electric transducer is fully removed. Providing an additional switch in the sensing circuit configured to repeatedly zero the sensed voltage across the piezo-electric transducer each time the sensed voltage reaches a threshold voltage generates a plurality of voltage segments between zero and the threshold voltage. Accordingly, a controller may then be configured to generate a digital reconstruction of the sensed voltage across the piezo-electric transducer by adding the plurality of voltage segments.

Abstract: Mechanical micro-switches, such as the power button, and the volume up and down buttons, in the sidewalls of a smart device's frame remain the weak points in terms of reliability. To overcome this shortcoming a transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer is placed against the sidewall, and at least one micro-slit is configured in the sidewall forming a flap deflectable into the frame. The micro-slits and the flap enable a displacement in a portion of the sidewall in an otherwise very stiff frame that is large enough to be detected by the transducer when a force is applied by the user and a displacement large enough to be sensed by the user, but not too large so as to risk damage of the transducer or other electronic components inside the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination device for an apparatus for establishing the color of a tooth, including in the mouth, the illumination device including a support with a lens system that includes at least one lens, an illumination unit, image capturing unit, and a front protection. The illumination unit is arranged at the periphery of the visual field of the lens system.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system for a backpack includes a flexible frame, a trampoline and a tension adjustment mechanism. The suspension system can allow the user to control the position of the frame anywhere between a flat position directly adjacent to the user's back and a fully bowed position that arches away from the user's back.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system for a backpack includes a flexible frame, a trampoline and a tension adjustment mechanism. The suspension system can allow the user to control the position of the frame anywhere between a flat position directly adjacent to the user's back and a fully bowed position that arches away from the user's back.

Abstract: A pipe liner connector suitable for connecting pipe sections that comprise a liner is described. The pipe liner connector comprise vents and/or venting grooves which act to balance the pressure between the micro-annulus, formed between the liner and the pipe sections, and the pipe bore formed when the pipe sections are connected together. The inclusion of these features helps prevent the collapse or the uncontrolled distortion of the pipe liner connector during pressure cycles in operating pipelines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for use in venting pipelines that have a plastic lining such as these used for transporting hydrocarbon fluids. A pipeline assembly comprises a pipeline (2), a corrosion resistance liner (3), and a micro-annulus (4) located between said pipeline and liner. The pipeline assembly also comprises a venting means (5) adapted for fitment in or through the corrosion resistance liner (3), wherein the venting means (5) allows gas to flow from the micro-annulus into the center of the pipeline assembly but not in the opposing direction.

Abstract: A system for providing a cold environment which has a number of cooling stages with variable displacement volumes into which input fluid from a compressor flows in an input channel to and from the displacement volumes and output fluid flows in an output channel to the compressor. Volume changers vary the volumes of the displacement volumes and input fluid flowing to a first set of displacement volumes is pre-cooled by regenerative heat exchange and counterflow heat exchange and input fluid flowing to the final displacement volume is pre-cooled primarily by counterflow heat exchange. The volume changer at at least one of the stages is thermally decoupled from the input and output channels.

Abstract: A technique for producing a cold environment in a refrigerant system in which input fluid from a compressor at a first temperature is introduced into an input channel of the system and is pre-cooled to a second temperature for supply to one of at least two stages of the system, and to a third temperature for supply to another stage thereof. The temperatures at such stages are reduced to fourth and fifth temperatures below the second and third temperatures, respectively. Fluid at the fourth temperature from the one stage is returned through the input channel to the compressor and fluid at the fifth temperature from the other stage is returned to the compressor through an output channel so that pre-cooling of the input fluid to the one stage occurs by regenerative cooling and counterflow cooling and pre-cooling of the input fluid to the other stage occurs primarily by counterflow cooling.

Abstract: Toothbrush with a device for the perfect orientation of the bristles with respect to the surface of the teeth, comprising an anatomical grip with adjustable orientation fixing means on one end for a rod having a head of bristles on the end.

Abstract: An alarm system that couples into a telephone system serviced by Touch Tone.RTM. equipment or Touch Tone.RTM. equipment intermixed with digital dialing and which when actuated automatically dials a telephone number and delivers a message into the receiver of the telephone whose number has been dialed. The alarm system is made up of two parts, an emergency transmitter unit and a receiver-dialer unit. The emergency transmitter unit includes a small battery powered radio frequency transmitter. The receiver-dialer unit includes a radio frequency receiver, a magnetic tape transport and a coupling device for coupling the unit into a telephone voice pair. The magnetic tape transport contains a magnetic tape on which is recorded a series of audio frequency tones corresponding to the Touch Tone.RTM. combinations of the number to be dialed and a message which is to be delivered. When the emergency transmitter unit is activated it sends out an RF signal which is received by the receiver-dialer unit.