Abstract: The invention relates to a method for examining the ocular fundus, according to which images of the ocular fundus are generated by means of a camera and/or an illumination unit and are subjected to an evaluation. The aim of the invention is to further develop said method in such a way that the certainty of a decision is optimized while avoiding subjective assessments. Said aim is achieved by controlling and/or regulating the optimization of the camera position and/or the illumination unit with regard to the certainty of detection following an automatic classification by means of a predefined pattern detection algorithm.

Abstract: A motion control system and method that includes a central controller configured to generate first and second demand control signals to be used to define actuation motion of respective first and second actuators. The central controller is in communication with first and second nodes by way of a data network, each node including at least a respective actuator configured to implement at an actuator time a motion or force-related effort based upon the respective demand control signal. Each node also includes a memory configured to store at least one respective propagation delay parameter related to a signal propagation delay between the central controller and the node. A timing mechanism establishes timing at each node based on the respective propagation delay parameter so that the actuator time at the nodes occurs simultaneously. Strictly cyclic and/or full-duplex high-speed communication can be supported. The network can be wired in a ring or as a tree and with twisted pair cabling or fiber.

Abstract: An improved process for removing polymeric by-product (ASO) from the HF alkylation acid in an HF alkylation unit used for the production of gasoline boiling range alkylate product by olefin/iso-paraffin alkylation, comprises fractionating a portion of the circulating HF alkylation acid inventory of the unit with a portion of hot alkylate product in a fractionation zone to from an overhead product comprising HF alkylation acid and water and a bottoms fraction comprising the polymeric by-product and alkylate. The bottoms fraction is sent to the isoparaffin stripper of the unit to remove trace HF alkylation acid as overhead and form a product stream of hot alkylate as a bottoms fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensor module structure comprising a substrate with a die receiving cavity formed within an upper surface of the substrate and conductive traces within the substrate and a die having a micro lens disposed within the die receiving cavity. A dielectric layer is formed on the die and the substrate, a re-distribution conductive layer (RDL) is formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the RDL is coupled to the die and the conductive traces and the dielectric layer has an opening to expose the micro lens. A lens holder is attached on the substrate and the lens holder has a lens attached an upper portion of the lens holder. A filter is attached between the lens and the micro lens. The structure further comprises a passive device on the upper surface of the substrate within the lens holder.

Abstract: A retractable grip assist handle assembly provides an extendable support for a passenger during ingress to or egress from the vehicle. The retractable grip assist handle assembly includes a handle, and a body portion having a first end connected to the handle and the handle and body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle. A mechanical energy storage device is connected between a second end of the body portion and the vehicle. The mechanical energy storage device provides a return force that returns the handle to a retracted position from an extended position.

Abstract: A leakage detection patch (10) for a modified atmosphere package comprises a substrate (12) and an oxygen sensing spot (14) arranged thereon. The oxygen sensing spot contains an oxygen indicator, which may be interrogated remotely An adhesive strip (16) for fixing the leakage detection patch to a package surface of the 5 modified atmosphere package extends peripherally around the sensing spot. The leakage detection patch further comprises means (20) enabling oxygen diffusion between the modified atmosphere and the oxygen sensing spot.

Abstract: A method for forming bumps is disclosed. First, a substrate having an adhesive, a barrier, and a wetting layer thereon is provided. Next, a patterned photoresist is formed on the wetting layer, in which the patterned photoresist includes at least one opening for exposing a portion of the wetting layer. Next, a solder is deposited in the opening, and a stripping process is performed to remove the patterned photoresist. Next, a first etchant is utilized to perform a first etching process for etching a portion of the wetting and barrier layers by utilizing the solder as a mask, in which the first etchant is selected from the group consisting of: sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, ferric chloride, ammonium persulfate, and potassium monopersulfate. Next, a second etchant is utilized to perform a second etching process removing a portion of the adhesive layer, and a reflow process is performed to form a bump.

Abstract: A bracket allows controlled positioning of a bumper cover relative to a lamp housing (such as a headlamp housing) when the headlamp housing and bumper cover are mounted on a vehicle. The bracket has an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and attaches to the headlamp housing by temporary attachments, such as snap connections. The bracket further has bumper cover receiving slot configured to receive a portion of the bumper cover. The bracket may further include a pin receiving hole, positioned so as to receive a pin protruding from the headlamp housing for additional positioning accuracy. A temporary sub-assembly of the bracket and headlamp housing can be used in an improved vehicle assembly process, in which the sub-assembly is permanently mounted to the vehicle fender, and a portion of the bumper cover slid into bumper receiving slots on the bracket.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure between a windshield and a windshield wiper. The pressure sensor assembly includes a support structure, a strain gage and a bearing member. The support structure supports the wiper spaced apart from the windshield. The strain gage is coupled to the support structure for providing pressure measurement data corresponding to the amount of strain in the support wall due to the pressure applied by the wiper toward the windshield. The bearing member is fixedly secured to the support structure to minimize friction between the pressure sensor assembly and the windshield.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus of a vehicle includes, an opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening portion of a vehicle body; a lower hinge for pivotably supporting the opening and closing member from below; and a cover member disposed below the opening and closing member placed in a closed state for covering a pivot support portion of the lower hinge from behind, wherein when the opening and closing member is in an open state, a pivoting portion pivotably supported by the pivot support portion straddles the cover member, the opening and closing member is located rearwardly of the cover member, and an uppermost site of the pivoting portion is located at a position not higher than an upper surface of the opening and closing member.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for a pick-up truck is pivotally connected with the truck tailgate for movement between a stowed position where the ladder assembly is held against the tailgate and an operable position when the tailgate is lowered and the ladder assembly extends between the tailgate and the ground. A linkage assembly connects the ladder assembly with a mounting plate connected with the tailgate. The linkage assembly spaces the ladder assembly from the tailgate when the ladder assembly is in the operable condition, allows the angle of the ladder assembly relative to the tailgate to vary in accordance with the height of the tailgate relative to the ground, and prevents the ladder assembly from pivoting past a normal position relative to the ground. A handle is also pivotally connected with a side wall of the truck adjacent to the tailgate to assist a user with climbing the ladder assembly into the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A slide of a press machine is driven by composite thrust of thrust of an electric (servo) motor SM (via a screw/nut mechanism from the electric motor) and thrust of hydraulic cylinders SYL1, SYL2 to which pressure oil is supplied from a constant, high pressure source. A slide control device controls the electric motor SM and the hydraulic cylinders SYL1, SYL2, based on a slide position signal and a motor angular velocity signal, and at the same time, makes the hydraulic cylinder SYL1 work as a pump during a period when slide load is small, charging pressure oil to the constant, high pressure source by using the thrust transferred from the electric motor to the hydraulic cylinder SYL1 through the screw/nut mechanism and the slide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a linear functional polymer having repeating units A, B and D. Unit A represents —CH2—, unit B represents and unit D represents where R1 represents a polar functional group. There are at least four A units separating each B unit, each D unit, and each B and D unit. The value y represents the total number of B units and is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The total number of D units is represented by h and is an integer greater than or equal to 0. And x represents the total number of A units and is an integer sufficient that the molar fraction of the B and D units in the linear functional polymer is represented by a value j defined by the equation: j = y + h x + y + h ? 0.032 . The present invention is also directed to a method for preparing such linear functional polymers by copolymerizing a first polar substituted monomer and a second non-polar unsubstituted monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming metallic foams using cold spray processing. The method allows for the formation of metallic foams on existing substrates as a layer. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate for coating of a metallic foam; cold spraying a mixture of metal particles and a foaming agent onto the substrate to form a substrate coated with an unexpanded metallic layer; foam heat treating the substrate coated with an unexpanded metallic layer at a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the foaming agent for a time sufficient to form a heated substrate coated with an expanded metal foam layer; and cooling the heated substrate coated with an expanded metal foam layer to about ambient temperature to form a cooled substrate coated with an expanded metal foam layer. The method of forming metallic foams on substrates finds application in the oil, gas, and chemical industry by being an integral part of casings, pipelines, transfer lines, and other flow lines.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling has first and second hubs, each of which is provided with flanges and connected to a transmission shaft. The flange of the first hub has spring holes extended therethrough. A cover is fixed to the second hub so that the flange of the first hub is held between the cover and the flange of the second hub, and the cylindrical part of the first hub extends through the cover. A plurality of coil spring sets each comprises multiple barrel-shaped coil springs. Each of the coil springs is supported in the spring hole so that the adjoining end faces thereof are in contact and in series with each other.

Abstract: A controller for a plant having a fixed-weight recurrent neural network with at least one external input signal representative of a desired condition of the plant and actual condition of the plant, and an output connected as a control signal to the plant. The fixed recurrent neural network includes a set of nodes with fixed weight interconnections between the nodes and at least one feedback input interconnecting an output from at least one of the nodes to an input of at least one node. These nodes collectively determine the value of the output from the neural network as a function of the input signal and the feedback input. The controller also includes an adaptive neural network having a plurality of nodes with variable weight interconnections between the nodes. A cost input from the plant is connected to the adaptive neural network while an output from the adaptive neural network is coupled as a processed feedback signal to nodes of the fixed-weight recurrent neural network.

Abstract: A method and system for locating a sound source within a defined area in which the sound data is collected with a plurality of spaced apart microphones. The sound data received by the microphones is processed to form a cross spectral density matrix containing vectors of cross correlations and auto correlations of the sound data. A replica vector matrix containing sound data from at least one test sound at a plurality of predetermined locations within the defined area is then constructed. The sound data vectors in the cross spectral density matrix are then projected on the replica vectors in the replica vector matrix to obtain a probability of the location of the sound source at each predetermined location within the defined area. These probabilities form a distribution within the defined area in which the largest probability distribution correlates with the location of the sound source.

Abstract: To provide an exercise therapy device capable of highly motivating an exerciser to continue exercise therapy, the exercise therapy device equipped with AV equipment and a rotation shaft includes: a rotation speed detection unit; a display unit for displaying menu items of contents and the content reproduced by the AV equipment; a menu selection unit for sequentially displaying the menu items of contents when the rotation shaft is rotating and, when one of the menu items has been externally selected, confirming the one of the menu items as a menu to be displayed by the AV equipment; and a reproduction speed setting unit for setting a constant or a variable speed. The AV equipment reproduces the content at one of the predetermined constant speed or the variable speed which is set when the rotation shaft is rotating, and stops reproducing the content when the rotation shaft is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting an object with multiple sources of penetrating radiation. Irradiation of the inspected object by the sources is temporally sequenced such that the source of detected scattered radiation is unambiguous. Thus, multiple views of the inspected object may be obtained and image quality may be enhanced, even in a compact geometry in which the beams are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A light assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a lens holder that supports an internal lens. The light assembly includes a light source powered by the vehicle. The internal lens includes a first surface having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusion scatter and diffuse heat emitted from the light source away from an outwardly positioned reflex lens and an outer lens. The protrusions also reflect light toward a reflector to increase the overall brightness observed coming from the light assembly.