Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a retaining element for securing at least one elongate member to an installation surface in conjunction with a fastener. The retaining element includes a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion secures the retaining element to the installation surface. The at least one second portion engages the elongate member. Also, the second portion defines a single continuous arch formed by a plurality of engagement surfaces disposed on a bottom side of the second portion. The engagement surfaces define a portion of the perimeter of at least two substantially overlapping shapes, such as ellipses, having different dimensions. In this way, upon installation the elongate member directly engages and is secured to both the installation surface and at least one of the engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a terminal with account funding is described. In one exemplary aspect of the invention, a system is provided having an interface whereby a player can interact with the gaming system. The interface allows the player to request a transfer of funds from the player's bank account to a wagering account. The system prompts the player to provide for reading the player's bank card such as by swiping the card. The system receives the player's entry of a personal identification code and sends information concerning the player's request for a transfer to a bank. The system then reports the bank's response to the player's request and, if allowed, credits that player's wagering account with the requested transfer of funds.

Abstract: An improved construction for a brassiere, wherein the brassiere is equipped with both back and front fasteners, and a multi-layered lining inside the cups to provide structure and support. The back and front fasteners enable the wearer to put the brassiere on with ease. The multi-layered lining, which absorbs body heat to mold to the shape of the breast accommodates the slight differences in size and shape in the breasts.

Abstract: System for determining position of a vehicle includes an integral inertial measurement unit (IMU) including accelerometers and gyroscopes for providing raw data about movement of the vehicle and a correction unit coupled to the IMU and arranged to receive and/or derive positional corrections and the raw data from the IMU and generate accurate positional information about the vehicle based on the raw data and positional corrections. A navigation system is coupled to the correction unit and receives and acts upon the positional information of the vehicle provided by the correction unit. The IMU may be a MEMS-packaged IMU and integrated with the correction unit in combination with one another. A map database may be coupled to the navigation system which would receive information about a travel lane the vehicle is travelling on and could guide an operator of the vehicle based on the accurate positional information and travel lane information.

Abstract: A method and a fused compound wafer including at least one first MEMS sensor and at least second MEMS sensor includes a first wafer. The first wafer includes at least one first MEMS sensor first subassembly and at least one second MEMS sensor first subassembly. A second wafer includes at least one first MEMS sensor second subassembly, at least one second MEMS sensor second assembly, and a fusing matrix. The fusing matrix includes a first joint configured to encapsulate each of the at least one first MEMS sensor first assembly and each of the at least one first MEMS sensor second assembly forming each at least one first MEMS sensor. A second joint is configured to encapsulate each of the at least one second MEMS first subassembly and each of the at least one second MEMS second subassembly forming each at least one second MEMS sensor.

Abstract: An electronic controller that is adapted to cooperate with a decorative wall plate is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic controller may be adapted to be mounted in a junction box, with a user interface having a shape and size to fit within one or more apertures in a wall plate. The wall plate may be secured relative to the electronic controller and/or junction box such that the user interface extends at least partially through the one or more aperture in the wall plate.

Abstract: A method of routing packets in an ad-hoc network is provided. The method determines a hop count for a route. Then, a redundancy value is calculated based on the hop count. A plurality of packets containing identical payload information is then sent down a number of routes equal to the redundancy value.

Abstract: An electronic system comprises a system board, one or more cards adapted to couple to the system board, wherein the system board transfers signals to and from the one or more cards, at least one electrically conductive plate, and one or more connectors coupled to the at least one electrically conductive plate to or from the one or more cards. A plurality of power supplies and voltages may be used. A measurement point on the at least one electrically conductive plate may be used to exert additional control over the plurality of power supplies.

Abstract: A method of performing alignment for printing with a printhead includes bidirectionally printing a plurality of rows of alignment blocks, wherein a bidirectional offset of a plurality of bidirectional offsets is different for each row of the alignment blocks; optically measuring each row to obtain measurement data; determining a statistical data value for each row based on the measurement data; and applying a respective bidirectional offset of the plurality of bidirectional offsets corresponding to a row having the lowest statistical data value of the plurality of rows to align the printhead for printing with the printhead.

Abstract: A power generation system including a housing defining a cavity and having an inlet for receiving a fluid that is used to cool and pressurize the cavity and an outlet for removing the fluid from the cavity. The system also may include a rotor having a first end positioned within the cavity of the housing and a second end, a plurality of bearings, positioned to contact the rotor, for providing radial support to the rotor, and a turbine connected to the second end of the rotor. Further, the system may include a heat sink positioned within the cavity and between the housing and the rotor, and an electronic component attached to the heat sink.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating media indexing errors in a printing device are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises feeding a calibration media through a printing device, sensing the position of the media as it moves through the printing device, sensing positions of a media indexing component as the media moves through the printing device, determining media indexing position errors based upon the sensed positions, and calculating a compensation factor to be applied based upon the errors. In some embodiments, parameters of a line and/or other function are determined from the error data and the parameters are utilized to calculate a compensation factor. Moreover, in some embodiments, it is determined what range the data fits within, and a predetermined compensation factor is determined based upon the range.

Abstract: Photoconductors are disclosed having an overcoat layer of silsesquioxane substituted with 4-[3-(triethoxysilylpropoxy]-2-hydroxybenzophenone. The degree of substitution is believed not critical. Similarly, the thickness of the coating is not critical and may vary according to the wear anticipated, as well as the electrical requirements of the specific application. Improvements are realized using this material in comparison to unsubstituted silsesquioxane.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for monitoring the operational life and/or performance of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (20) based on sensed parameters are disclosed. The remaining life of each LED may be predicted by counting the clock cycles during which the LED-based light is activated. LED current and/or temperature measurements may be used to control the clock signal and, thus, to compensate the predicted life value. Furthermore, operational characteristics of the LED-based light may be monitored based on LED current and/or voltage measurements. Such characteristics may include performance (e.g., intensity) and failure conditions (e.g., open or short circuits).

Abstract: An improved braze alloy is microalloyed to include about 0.0005 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of at least one aggressively surface acting element selected from tellurium (Te), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), and gallium (Ga), or any combination thereof. The braze alloys may include at least about 30% by weight of at least one base metal selected from the group of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), or aluminum (Al). In one example, a silver braze alloy suitable for brazing a cutter to a drill bit body is microalloyed to improve a characteristic of the braze material.

Abstract: A downhole pressure transmitter apparatus and method of making the same. A pressure fitting can be provided in association with a tube formed into a spiral shape. One end of said tube is sealed and the other end of said tube is affixed to said pressure fitting. As the tube is exposed to a differential pressure, said tube unwinds, thereby creating a rotary motion that is proportional and linear to said differential pressure sensor, thereby providing an indication of pressure within a downhole environment.

Abstract: A two step method to increase the thickness of human hair in which in Step I, a high pH priming lotion is applied to pre-treat the hair to increase its pH, create an anionic charge and therefore loosen and lift the cuticle layers of the hair. In Step II, an acidic thickening composition is applied on top of the Step I composition to deliver polymers and conditioning ingredients to the hair's polypeptide molecule sites. The Step II components have cationic sites that chemically bond to anionic groups in the hair, making them substantive to the hair wherein they deposit under and around the crevices of the cuticles. The low pH of Step II tightly closes the cuticles, sealing the substantive ingredients to the surface of the hair, providing the hair with increased diameter and long lasting thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to balance a wheel which rotates around an axle. The wheel has a rim having an outer surface and an opposite interior surface positioned circumferentially around the axle. A plurality of rotor drive keys are mounted at the interior surface of the rim. At least one rotor drive key having a different weight than the other rotor drive keys is mounted approximately opposite an abnormal weight in order to balance the wheel.

Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, or screws.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when a component supply reel for an automated assembly machine is close to depletion. The supply reel tape has indications such as marks that can be optically or magnetically read by a reader through which the tape passes as it is fed into the automated assembly machine, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) pick and place machine. Or, an RF tag may be used. The reader activates a transmitter, which transmits a signal to a local computer. The computer generates a message such as an e-mail for a supply facility computer to notify a worker to deliver a replacement reel. The marks are provided at a desired location along the length of the tape. In another approach, a message is generated when depletion of the reel is detected by a switch.