Abstract: A control valve includes a main poppet that moves in response to pressure in a primary control chamber and thereby controls the flow of fluid through a valve seat between first and second ports. A passageway extends between the second port and the primary control chamber and includes a variable flow restriction that decreases as the main poppet moves away from the valve seat. An electrohydraulic pilot valve has a pilot poppet which controls fluid flow from the primary control chamber to the first port in response to pressure in a pilot control chamber. A sub-pilot valve selectively releases pressure in the pilot control chamber to operate the pilot poppet to open and close a path between the inlet and the outlet. Using an electrohydraulic pilot valve enables the main poppet to operate quickly in controlling large fluid flow rates. Unidirectional and bidirectional versions of the control valve are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze the physical structure of text rows in a document image, including the positions of one or more alignments of one or more character blocks in one or more text rows of the document image. The systems and methods determine one or more groups of text rows that are placed into a class based on the structures of the text rows, such as the positions of the one or more alignments of the one or more character blocks in each text row.

Abstract: A two pass print mode method and apparatus limits wind-related print defects produced during printing, utilizing a reciprocating carrier of a printer carrying a printhead having an array of columns of actuator-fired fluid-jetting nozzles along a bi-directional scanning path. Due to instructions from a controller, printing proceeds along an initial partial swath on a print medium during a first pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a first plurality of segments of a given column of nozzles. Then, printing proceeds along a final partial swath on the print medium during a second pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a second plurality of segments of the given column of nozzles. Each segment of nozzles of the first and second pluralities includes more than one consecutive nozzle so that gaps are created in the partial swath printing accommodating wind-related effects without causing wind-related print defects.

Abstract: An actuator mounting assembly includes a cap, a rod, a spring mechanism, and a switch assembly. The cap is adapted to couple to an actuator. The rod extends through the cap and includes a first end adapted to extend through the actuator and a second end adapted to attach to a fixed location. The spring mechanism is disposed in the cap cavity, is compressible, and has a predetermined preload. The switch assembly is disposed in the cap and adapted to sense relative positioning between the rod and the cap and to provide signals based on the sensed relative positioning. When the rod and the cap are in a first relative position, the switch assembly provides a first signal to the actuator to allow the cap to move axially relative to the rod, but when in a second relative position, the switch assembly discontinues providing the first signal to the actuator.

Abstract: A solution and method for treating symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia. The solution includes a solvent and a composition including active ingredients of menthol, camphor, and capsaicin, as well as additional components including aloe vera extract, carbomer, decyl polyglucose, deionized water, grapefruit seed extract, green tea extract, orange peel extract, queen of the prairie extract, rose water, silica, sodium, hydroxymethyl glycinate, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel, and yucca extract. The method includes soaking an affected area in the solution for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant composite material useful in rigid armor applications. The composite material includes at least one consolidated network of high tenacity fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The resin is a thermoplastic polyurethane resin that is semi-crystalline at room temperature. The high tenacity fibers have a tenacity of at least about 7 g/d. Prior to consolidation the polyurethane resin matrix material is in an aqueous medium. When dry, the polyurethane matrix material has a tensile modulus (at 100% elongation) of at least about 500 psi (3.45 MPa), a tensile modulus (at 300% elongation) of at least about 500 psi (3.45 MPa), and an ultimate tensile strength of at least about 2000 psi (13.78 MPa). The ballistic resistant composite material has improved ballistic properties.

Abstract: Provided is a personal traction device that includes a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear.

Abstract: The present invention concerns application of a unique conductive electrode geometry used to form an efficient wideband, one- or two-way wireless data link between autonomous systems separated by some distance along a bore hole drill string. One objective is the establishment of an efficient, high bandwidth communication link between such separated systems, using a unique electrode configuration that also aids in maintaining a physically robust drill string. Insulated or floating electrodes of various selected geometries provide a means for sustaining or maintaining a modulated electric potential adapted for injecting modulated electrical current into the surrounding sub-surface medium. Such modulated current conveys information to the systems located along the drill string by establishing a potential across a receiving insulated or floating electrode.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine includes at least one pump, a logic implementer storing a plurality of therapy prescriptions by which to operate the at least one pump, each therapy prescription pre-approved for a particular patient, and an input device operating with the logic implementer to allow the patient to select one of the therapy prescriptions for a particular therapy. In another embodiment, the input device operating with the logic implementer allows a doctor/clinician to select or approve one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine. In a further embodiment, the logic implementer is programmed to select or suggest one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine.

Abstract: A method and system for redundancy management is provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The method uses unique redundancy management techniques to achieve recovery and restoration of redundant elements to full operation in an asynchronous environment. The system includes a first computing unit comprising a pair of redundant computational lanes for generating redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors detect data errors in the control commands, and provide a recovery trigger to the first computing unit. A second redundant computing unit provides the same features as the first computing unit. A first actuator control unit is configured to provide blending and monitoring of the control commands from the first and second computing units, and to provide a recovery trigger to each of the first and second computing units. A second actuator control unit provides the same features as the first actuator control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing efficient, inexpensive data logging of aircraft sensor data. An example system on board an aircraft includes a plurality of data sources that provide sensor data associated with a plurality of avionic components, a line replaceable processing unit that is in signal communication with the plurality of data sources via one or more databuses, a wireless router connected to the line replaceable processing unit via a data cable and a portable data unit in wireless data communication with the wireless router. The wireless router receives at least a portion of the sensor data from the line replaceable processing unit and sends the received sensor data to the portable data unit.

Abstract: A method for developing software as a layered, segmented system having diverse functionalities, based on a software architecture and an aerial vehicle utilizing the software architecture are provided. The software architecture for the aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an electrical segment, a propulsion segment, a flight management segment, a navigation segment, a data link segment, and perhaps a payload segment. Each segment includes a number of software modules and objects, and each segment interfaces with or controls one or more devices. The software architecture also includes a number of layers, including an executive layer for managing execution rates of the segments, a vehicle controller layer for coordinating activities across segments, and various layers providing utilities, common services, and computing support including operating system support. Rules of engagement guiding interaction between software entities within the software architecture are specified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radar altimeter antenna performance monitoring via reflected power measurements are provided. In one embodiment, a single antenna radar altimeter comprises: an antenna; a circulator coupled to the antenna; a transmitter coupled to the circulator; a receiver coupled to the circulator; wherein the circulator provides coupling of the transmitter and the receiver to the antenna while providing isolation between the transmitter and the receiver; a reflected power monitor positioned between the circulator and receiver; and a processor coupled to the reflected power monitor via a first analog-to-digital converter, the processor configured to compute and track reflected power measurement statistics from data generated by the reflected power monitor and provide a performance output indicating when one or more of the reflected power measurement statistics exceed a predetermined deviation threshold.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and system for correct positioning of a plurality of edge guides of a media source assembly. The system senses the proximity of documents with the plurality of edge guides by employing one or more sensors. Based on the sensed proximity, the one or more sensors provide notifications to the user through one or more indicators.

Abstract: A multi-axis moveable sheet separator for separating media sheets on a media dam having a mount having a plurality of pairs of opposed openings and a spring mount. The sheet separator comprises a spring mounted on the spring mount and a base including a sheet receiving surface having a plurality of lateral detents. Depending from the base are a first plurality of pairs of opposed legs and a second plurality of pairs of opposed legs that are shorter than the first plurality of pairs of opposed leg. When mounted in the media dam, the base compresses the spring. The moveable sheet separator may move with respect to a media receiving surface of the media dam in one of a translational direction, a rotational direction or a combination of both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler, a disposable cassette operable with the cycler, a supply bag connected to the disposable cassette, a supply connector, a supply line extending from the disposable cassette, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, a device to connect the supply connector to the patient connector, and a housing around the device. The housing includes a plurality of ultraviolet (“UV”) light-emitting diodes (“LED's”) for directing energy towards at least one of the supply or patient connectors. The LED's are configured to deliver about 200 milliJoules in a period of about a minute.

Abstract: A cable interface device is provided for physically and electronically connecting two devices. The cable interface device comprises a first pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a first multi-pin connector of a first electronic device having a first pin geometry. The device also includes a hardware specific signal routing adapter connected electronically and physically in series with the pin pickup assembly and a second pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a second pin connector of a second electronic device having a second pin geometry, the second pin geometry being electronically and mechanically different from the first pin geometry.