Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, pressure vessel, or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analyses includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A method and device for determining dynamic hyperinflation during mechanical ventilation of a spontaneously breathing patient, wherein mechanical ventilation is removed during one breath of the patient, inspiratory and expiratory volumes of the patient are measured during the one breath, and a difference between the inspiratory and expiratory volumes measured during the one breath is calculated. Dynamic hyperinflation of the patient's lungs is indicated in relation to the calculated difference.

Abstract: The transfer of the invention is prepared by printing a layer onto a carrier substrate with an ink that comprises a mixture of finely subdivided polyethylene powder, an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, a dispersing agent, and an additive material such as a dye or pigment indicia material and/or a physical property enhancing material such as alumina, glass beads, silica, metal flakes, etc. Preferably high and very high molecular weight polyethylene is used, alone or in mixture with lower density polyethylene in amounts from 25 to 45 weight percent in the ink. The printed layer is thermally treated to remove the hydrocarbon solvent resulting in a transfer having a carrier substrate coated with a printed layer consisting essentially of polyethylene and the additive material.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for detecting a maturing arterio-venous fistula comprising a vein. An exemplary method comprises determining a wall thickness of the fistula and a lumen diameter of the fistula vein using a high frequency ultrasound imaging system. A blood pressure of the subject is determined. A circumferential vessel wall stress is determined from the measured blood pressure, the wall thickness of the fistula and a determined radius of the measured diameter of the fistula. The determined circumferential vessel stress is compared to a predetermined threshold stress to determine if the fistula is mature.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a funnel, a tool for carrying out the method, and a funnel of flat material, more particularly of plastic-coated paper. A receptacle for a pulverulent and/or liquid medium includes a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region. A blank of flat material is shaped to a funnel-shaped sleeve having an outlet opening, an inlet opening, and an opening angle, and the funnel shaped sleeve is swaged in at least one subregion to effect enlargement of the opening angle.

Abstract: The invention concerns computer systems that are specially adapted to propagate content over a dynamic network, substantially in real time, by virtue of the locational proximity of network joined client computers. Preferably, the content will also be proximity-weighted, and more preferably also rank-weighted, topic-weighted, time-weighted, query-weighted, vote-weighted, and/or location-weighted. The invention particularly concerns such computer systems that employ more than one such weighting. The invention particularly concerns such computer systems that operate using, or through, mobile devices, particularly for distributed computing applications, including social media applications and communications applications conducted over Restricted Computer Networks.

Abstract: A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture that when assembled creates a symbol for unity during a wedding, anniversary, or union ceremony. The method of assembling the sculpture is to insert a first bent-shaped heart piece onto a base and then insert a second bent heart-shaped piece onto the base each by means of pegs and peg holes. The first bent heart-shaped piece and the second bent heart-shaped piece may be fastened together through a hinge connection. Finally, a pin may be inserted through the hinge connection of the first bent heart-shaped piece and the second bent heart-shaped piece to secure the two pieces together. The completed assembly resembles one three-dimensional heart, yet maintaining the identities of each individual heart symbolizing two hearts coming together into a union.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring changes in inspiratory load of a patient's respiratory system during mechanical ventilation. The method and system calculate a first relation between a measured inspiratory airway pressure and a measured electrical activity of respiratory muscle, and a second relation between a measured inspiratory volume and the measured electrical activity. A load index is calculated from the first and second relations. Changes in inspiratory load are determined based on the load index.

Abstract: A clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme. The kit includes a container, at least one article of clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components that are related to the theme disposed in the container, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to create a themed article of clothing.

Abstract: Portable, electrically driven, handheld sonic personal skin/hair care device includes a housing and a drive assembly to which is coupled a treatment member. The treatment member may include active ingredients incorporated during manufacturing, that safely resist and inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. The drive assembly includes a stator assembly, armature assembly, mounting member attached to the housing, elongated pivot arm having a first end directly coupled to the armature assembly and a second end directly coupled to the mounting member, and mounting arm having first and second ends, the first end being directly coupled to the armature assembly and the second end being directly coupled to the treatment member such that the stator, when energized, causes oscillation of the armature in an arcuate manner about a pivot point located at the mounting member in turn causing the treatment member to oscillate relative to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container carrier that mounts on a walker device or the like to pivot from the interior to the exterior of the device so that the interior of the device is not obstructed, and the required clearance of the device in restricted spaces is not substantially increased. The container carrier has a flexible mounting capacity, accommodates various sizes and shapes of containers, and is assembled from parts that are inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for optimizing wood panel creation. An exemplary apparatus is configured to receive information related to a customer order; assemble, based at least partially on the received information, a plurality of wooden staves; adhere the plurality of wooden staves to one another such that a ribbon of staves is formed; position the ribbon of staves on a first conveyor belt such that it is transferred to a portion of the device for curing; cure the ribbon of staves using the fourth unit of the production device; resize such that a panel is formed, wherein resizing the ribbon of staves comprises removing an excess portion of the ribbon of staves; and return the excess portion of the ribbon of staves on a second conveyor belt to another unit of the production device.

Abstract: An all-digital phase locked loop includes a time to digital converter that determines a fractional portion of a phase count. The time to digital converter has a quantization error that may be caused by phase noise, delay errors or skew errors. Several methods and devices may reduce the quantization error. A noise source may add dithering to the reference clock at an input of the time to digital converter. A digital processor may use two successive rising edges of the oscillator signal to count time delays of the time to digital convertor to the reference clock, and uses these counts to determine a ratio of the time delays and the time period of the oscillator signal for controlling a digitally controlled oscillator. A radio frequency counter circuit detects whether the oscillator signal leads or lags the reference clock because of skew and generates a phase signal to correct the skew.

Abstract: In embodiments, a device is illustrated for determining a sample rate difference between a first information signal and a second information signal including an offset determiner for determining for each of a plurality of segments of the first information signal, associated offset values which temporally align the plurality of segments with respect to the second information signal and a calculator for calculating the sample rate difference on the basis of the offset values.

Abstract: Folding mandrel, device and method for manufacturing glued sleeves. The invention relates to a folding mandrel for a device for manufacturing glued sleeves, in particular paper sleeves for the manufacture of paper cups, where the folding mandrel is provided for winding of a plane segment and is so dimensioned that in the wound-on state of the segment an overlap containing adhesive is obtained. In accordance with the invention, the folding mandrel is provided with at least one recess for receiving any adhesive escaping from the overlap.