Abstract: A noncontact support platform includes a plurality of pressure nozzles on an outer surface of a PV stage of the noncontact support platform. The pressure nozzles connected to a pressure source for creating an outflow of fluid through the pressure nozzles. A plurality of vacuum nozzles are interspersed with the pressure nozzles on the outer surface and are connected to a vacuum manifold via one or a plurality of hoses to create an inflow of the fluid through the vacuum nozzles. At least one flowmeter is configured to generate a signal that is indicative of a measured inflow via at least one hose of the hoses. A controller is configured to analyze the signal to determine whether the measured inflow is indicative of blockage of a vacuum nozzle and to generate a response when blockage is indicated.

Abstract: According to some implementations, context-based information is provided. The method can establish a first context for a user to start a process of correlation of information from multiple sources. The method can then authorize the user to access information from one or more sources of information. The method can request the first information from the one or more sources of information based on the first context. Based on the first information received from the one or more sources of information, the method can revise the first context to generate a second context. The method can use the second context to correlate second information from the one or more sources of information. The method can filter the second information for the user to determine a relevant subset of information. Eventually, the method can send the relevant subset of information to a client device associated with the user.

Abstract: A processor including an instruction fetcher to fetch instructions, a decoder to decode the instructions, at least one load unit adapted to load data, at least one execution unit adapted to perform arithmetic computations on the data by executing the fetched and decoded instructions, a register file adapted to store results of the arithmetic computations, and a multiplexer arrangement provided such that one or more units of the execution unit selectively obtain operands from one of: the register file or a unit used for arithmetic computation of a preceding instruction. The processor is adapted to process and execute the instructions such that processing of the instructions is started under the following conditions: the execution unit is ready for instruction execution, and data from the at least one load unit is available to the at least one execution unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for photodynamic therapy of cancer diseases using a gene expressing a fluorescent protein and a photosensitizer, and a photodynamic therapy method using the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a composition for photodynamic therapy capable of selectively killing cancer cells only without affecting normal cells by treating the cancer cells, into which various fluorescent proteins have been introduced, with a photosensitizer and then irradiating a light source to the cancer cells, and a photodynamic therapy method using the same.

Abstract: An article tracking system including: a plurality of tags, each tag being attached to a respective article in use and including: a power supply; a tag transceiver that transmits or receives messages; and a tag processing device; a number of tag readers, each tag reader including: at least one reader transceiver that transmits or receives messages; and, a reader processing device in communication with the at least one tag reader; and, at least one processing system in communication with the number of tag readers, and wherein in use each tag reader: generates a message; and, transmits the message to one or more tags within an operating range of the reader, wherein ones of the one or more tags in a passive operating mode are responsive to the message to: receive the message; selectively change a tag operating mode; and, if the message is a broadcast message, transmit a tag message at least partially indicative of an identity of the tag; receives any tag messages; generates location data at least partially indica

Abstract: A pipe manipulation apparatus having a base frame and a sliding end slidable towards and away from the base frame, each of the base frame and sliding end having at least one pipe support coupled with a press clamp pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, a pipe is placeable on to the at least one pipe support and, in the closed position, the inner surfaces of the press clamp and the pipe support define a bore in which a lengthwise portion of the pipe is receivable. The pipe manipulation apparatus may be portable, tiltable, and/or rotatable to accommodate pipes of various locations and angles.

Abstract: A stationary exercise cycle. The stationary exercise cycle includes a frame, a crank rotatably connected to the frame, a driven wheel rotatably connected to the frame, and a frame stiffener. The frame includes a down tube and a fork. The crank and the driven wheel are in operative communication via a continuous flexible member. The frame stiffener is connected to the down tube and the fork and encircled by the continuous flexible member.

Abstract: A customizable ankle-foot orthotic. The orthotic including an ankle brace for installation around a wearer's ankle, the ankle brace including a first wing, a second wing, and a third wing anchored at a point between the first wing and the second wing, the second and third wings independently configurable to couple to a portion of the first wing to enable the wearer to customize the fit; a tension adjustment assembly including one or more strap loops; and an elastic strap operably linking the ankle brace to a wearer's shoe for applying an upward resistive force to the wearer's shoe to prevent inadvertent downward movement of a wearer's foot, the elastic strap threadable through the one or more strap loops such that the elastic strap wraps around the exterior face of the ankle brace and extends at a downward angle to engage the wearer's shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side-discharge type nondirectional air purifier including: a housing extended in a vertical direction thereof and having a plurality of discharge holes formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a fan seated onto a top end periphery of the housing and adapted to absorb external air and to discharge the absorbed external air toward a bottom surface of the housing; a spiral wing disposed vertically in an internal space of the housing; a perforated board for pressure adjustment disposed outside the spiral wing and having a plurality of air ventilation holes formed piercedly thereon; and a main filter disposed vertically inside the housing in such a manner as to be surroundingly located outside the perforated board.

Abstract: A machine element includes a sensor device for detecting mechanical stresses affecting a hollow cylindrical shaft section. The sensor device is arranged in the hollow cylindrical shaft section positively connected with axial pretension between a first radially inwardly protruding formation and a second radially inwardly protruding formation. The machine element can be produced by first forming a first radially inwardly protruding formation in the hollow shaft section of the machine element. In a subsequent sensor arrangement step, a sensor device is fitted positively in the hollow shaft section on the first radially inwardly protruding formation. Then the second radially inwardly projecting formation is produced in the hollow shaft section in a subsequent joining step. Thereby, the sensor device is joined positively with an axial pretension between the first radially inwardly protruding formation and the second inwardly protruding formation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions comprising a microalgae consortium. A composition comprises at least one genera of microalgae flocculated by Paenibacillus polymyxa strain, Strain 2, deposited under the Budapest Treaty as ATCC Accession No. PTA-12841. Methods of treating the soil comprise adding a composition of the present invention to soil.

Abstract: A fiber grating sensor insert, implanting system and method of an intelligent plastic pipe.

Abstract: A bottle includes a body and an overcap that covers the shoulder and neck of the bottle. The overcap includes an outer skirt and an inner skirt. The inner skirt engages the closure for the bottle. The outer skirt extends outwardly from the inner skirt. The inner skirt includes a first engaging lip and a second engaging lip that secure the overcap to the body of the bottle. The first engaging lip is located below the cover of the closure while the second engaging lip is located below the tamper-proof band of the closure.

Abstract: A ring oscillator includes: (i) one or more current sources each connected to a supply voltage source; and (ii) oscillation elements connected in series in a ring configuration each element including: (a) first and second input terminals; (b) first and second output terminals; (c) first and second inverters receiving input signals from the first and second input terminals, respectively, and providing output signals on the first and second output terminals, respectively; and (d) third and fourth inverters, each having an input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the input terminals of the third and fourth inverters are coupled to the first and second output terminals of the oscillator element, respectively, wherein the output terminals of third and fourth inverters are coupled to the second and first output terminals of the oscillator element, respectively, and wherein each of first, second, third and fourth inverters are coupled to the supply voltage source through the current sources.

Abstract: Some embodiments can include method for decentralized data storage and validation. In many embodiments, the method can comprise receiving provided data at one or more decentralized storage modules for storage, wherein at least one of the one or more decentralized storage modules resides on a masternode, validating the provided data against a defined schema, and obtaining a decentralized multi-party consensus indicating acceptance of the provided data. In a number of embodiments, the method further can comprise writing a hash of the provided data for storage in a blockchain module, synchronizing the provided data across the one or more decentralized storage modules based at least in part on the hash stored in the blockchain module, and retrieving the provided data from the at least one of the one or more decentralized storage modules. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The system includes a movement sensor and a core contraction sensor in communication with a processor. The core contraction sensor is placed on the core muscles of a user and transmits core contraction signals to the processor. The processor receives movement signals from the movement sensor and identifies user movements that are qualifying movements that benefit from core contractions. The processor also monitors the timing between the qualifying movements and the core contractions to identify protected and unprotected qualifying movements. The system can also include a memory for storing core scores that are calculated from the protected and unprotected qualifying movements, exercise information and core sensor calibration information. The core contraction information can be used to calibrate the core contraction sensor. The core contraction and movement information can be transmitted to a therapist who can monitor the user's activities and provide instructional feedback.

Abstract: A single chip sequential processor comprising at least one ALU-Block, where said sequential processor is capable of maintaining its op-codes while processing data such as to overcome the necessity of requiring a new instruction in every clock cycle.

Abstract: A wearable device has a core contraction sensor and a movement sensor which transmits signals to a processor which analyzes the signals and uses the data to control aspects of a video game. The core contraction signal may determine if the user's core is contracted or relaxed. A video game may be used with the wearable device to encourage usage of the core muscles with the player getting points or rewards for engaging their core muscles and properly timing the engagement of the core muscles with body movements. The wearable device may be used in place of, or together with conventional video game control devices. Developing the habit of using the core muscles during may be beneficial in back pain rehab and prevention, fitness training and wellness, athletic performance improvement, and reducing workplace injuries in occupations involving heavy lifting.

Abstract: Mineral, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, and other compositions are produced using a mineral composition containing minimal concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury and containing relatively high concentrations of micro and macro mineral elements, of rare earth elements, of calcium, and of silica. The mineral concentrations are produced by processing naturally occurring clay soil to concentrate mineral elements naturally occurring in the soil.