Abstract: The present invention relates to a tunable microwave/millimeter-wave arrangement comprising a tunable impedance surface. It comprises an Electromagnetic Bandgap Structure (EBG) (Photonic Bandgap Structure) comprising at least one tunable ferroelectric layer (3), at least one first, top, metal layer (1) and at least one second metal layer (2A, 2B). Said first (1) and second metal layers (2A) are disposed on opposite sides of the/a ferroelectric layer (3), and at least the first, top, metal layer (1) is patterned and the dielectric permittivity of the at least one ferroelectric layer (3) is dependent on a DC biasing voltage directly or indirectly applied to first (1) and/or second (2A, 2B) metal layers disposed on different sides of the/a ferroelectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and devices that reduce dyskinesis and hypokinesis. The contoured heart assist device of the present invention includes a selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder with one or more contoured supports configured to surround at least a portion of the heart and provide curvatures similar to the proper shape of the heart when the device is pressurized and one or more fluid connections in communication with the selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder for pressurization and depressurization.

Abstract: Bone fragments resulting from a Colles' fracture of the distal radius bone are set in position by an external fixator that includes mounting structures attachable to the radius at a site proximal to the fracture and to a metacarpal, joined by a connector whose length is capable of both gross adjustment and precision adjustment, each mounting structure providing degrees of freedom independently of the connector length, the mounting structure at the radius end providing independent degrees of freedom for rotation around a proximal-distal axis and for rotation about an axis transverse to an axis parallel to the proximal-distal axis.

Abstract: A network system comprises at least one input TNE (10) and one output TNE (11) interconnected by circuits in the network (20). Each TNE in the protection step comprises a traffic selector (22, 23) switchable between listening to the traffic input from a work circuit (13, 14) and listening to the traffic input from a reset circuit (18, 19) and a Split module (21, 24) allowing sending of a same traffic output either to a work circuit or to a reset circuit. Each TNE comprises in addition an agent (25, 26) termed ASTN agent commanding activation and deactivation of the reset circuit and switching of the traffic selector between work circuit and reset circuit.

Abstract: A heat sink substrate has a composite structure including a three-dimensional network structure of SiC ceramic having pores infiltrated with Si, and has a thermal conductivity of not less than 150 W/m·K and an oxygen content of not greater than 7 ppm. The heat sink substrate is easily allowed to have an increased surface area. Further, the heat sink substrate has a higher thermal conductivity and a coefficient thermal expansion close to that of the SiC. Therefore, the heat sink substrate is superior in the efficiency of heat conduction from a semiconductor device. The heat sink substrate is produced by infiltrating a thermally melted Si into the pores of the three-dimensional network structure in a non-oxidative atmosphere in the presence of an oxygen absorber.

Abstract: A multi-mode mobile communication device may include a processing device, a memory sub-system, a communication sub-system operable to communicate with the plurality of wireless access networks, and a protocol stack stored in the memory sub-system and executed by the processing device. The protocol stack may include a first access stratum, a second access stratum, a non-access stratum and an access stratum manager. The first access stratum may communicate with a first wireless access network via the communication sub-system. The second access stratum may communicate with a second wireless access network via the communication sub-system. The non-access stratum may communicate with a core network. The access stratum manager may interface the non-access stratum with the first and second access strata, and may be operable to activate the first access stratum to establish a communication link with the core network over the first wireless access network.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stress-free lead frame (1) for a semiconductor. The stress-free lead frame (1) is provided with a stress-relief means (15) and an interlocking means (16) at the outer periphery. The stress-relief means (15) is capable of accommodating expansion and compression while the interlocking means (16) take care of shock and vibration during handling to thereby eliminate delamination of the lead frame (10).

Abstract: Video signals that are reproduced or processed are outputted to a first video image display device. An illuminance detection section detects the ambient illuminance during the output of the video signals. In the case that the detected illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the reproduced or processed video signals are outputted to a second video image display device which provides a display with lower brightness than that for a display provided by the first video image display device.

Abstract: A process for treating an earth formation is disclosed, the process may include: injecting a gelling agent into the earthen formation; injecting a crosslinking agent into the earthen formation; and reacting the gelling agent and the crosslinking agent to form a gel. The gelling agent may include at least one of a lignin, a lignosulfonate, a tannin, a tannic acid, a modified lignin, a modified lignosulfonate, a modified tannin, a modified tannic acid, biopolymers, starches, carboxy methyl cellulose, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyamines, polyether amines, poly vinyl amines, polyethylene imines, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining the size of each of a predetermined number of memory frames to be allocated for storing data blocks in a memory, and a processing device for implementing the method. The method comprises determining a data block size distribution for at least one set of data blocks. A data block size of the data block size distribution is eliminated iteratively until the number of data block sizes corresponds to the number of sizes of the memory frames. The data block sizes to merge are selected by means of a slack prediction algorithm. The sizes of the memory frames are determined as the data block sizes of the distribution, which remain after the elimination.

Abstract: The excess signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) or the like of a communication channel is determined by repeatedly decoding received information with successively reduced effective SIR. The step size in an outer power control algorithm, for example a Jump Algorithm, such as that commonly used for transmit power control in communication systems can then be adaptively adjusted based on the excess SIR, enabling faster convergence. Decoder hardware already present in a user equipment, such as a mobile telephone or other receiver, can advantageously be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites of starch containing silicon, particularly to starch silica, and starch silicate composites, a method for the production thereof and the use thereof as a filler in paper and board and as a coating pigment.

Abstract: A method for drilling riserless that includes providing a drilling fluid to a drilling assembly for drilling a borehole on a seafloor, the drilling assembly comprising a drill string and a bottomhole assembly, and wherein the drilling fluid includes a brine, and a non-hydratable clay, wherein the drilling fluid is substantially free of hydrating clays, and flowing the drilling fluid and cuttings through an annulus formed by the drill string and the borehole into sea water is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for applying a fluid to the inside of a product packaging material and/or to the outside of a product during packaging of the product. The present invention incorporates a sprayer system into the design of a packer tube and allows the inside surface of the product packaging material and/or the outside surface of the product to be contained within the packaging material to be coated with a fluid. The fluid is applied simultaneously with the packaging of the product. As such, separate steps for applying the fluid and also for packaging the product are not required. In one embodiment, methods and apparatuses for applying a food colorant to the inside of a food packaging material and/or to the outside of a food product during packaging of the food product are provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a vapor-compression evaporation system includes a plurality of vessels in series each containing a feed having a nonvolatile component. A first set of the plurality of vessels includes vapor-compression evaporators and a second set of the plurality of vessels includes multi-effect evaporators. A mechanical compressor is coupled to the last vessel in the series of vapor-compression evaporators and is operable to receive a vapor therefrom. A turbine is coupled to, and operable to drive, the mechanical compressor. A pump is operable to deliver a cooling liquid to the mechanical compressor, and a tank is coupled to the mechanical compressor and is operable to separate liquid and vapor received from the mechanical compressor. A plurality of heat exchangers is coupled inside respective ones of the vessels, wherein the heat exchanger in the first vessel in the first set is operable to receive the vapor from the tank, and at least some of the vapor condenses therein.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate. The first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. The second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The second assembly includes a vehicle body hinge pin, and combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A self-locking electrical connector is provided that includes a coupling nut and a locking sleeve positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position. At least a portion of the coupling nut is engaged by the locking sleeve when the locking sleeve is in the locked position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system of treating intraocular pressure. Laser light is directed to the ciliary region of the target eye. The light stimulates the ciliary region and ablates debris lodged therein. An immune response may be triggered by the stimulation of the ciliary body. Intraocular pressure is reduced by the increase in aqueous flow from the anterior chamber in the eye permitted by the resultant removal of debris blocking the uveo-scleral outflow pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel arrangement of optical devices for the rapid patterning of laser profiles used for desorption and/or ionization sources in analytical mass spectrometry. Specifically, the new optical arrangement provides for a user-defined laser pattern at the sample target that can be quickly changed (on a microsecond timescale) to different dimensions (or shapes) for subsequent laser firings.