Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly and a method of securing a shaft to the assembly are described. The assembly may have an outer race with a first portion having a plurality of grooves and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is substantially parallel to the shaft. The method of securing the shaft to the assembly includes the step of magnetically pulse welding the shaft to the outer race.

Abstract: A parallel-type displacement device having at least three arms each pivoting about a pivot axis, the pivot axes defining a polygon as seen from a point above the device, wherein each of the arms is actuated by an actuator and each of the arms is further connected to a head defining a small base through linking members respectively articulated on the head and the arm, each said arm and its respective head forming a hinge having two degrees of freedom such that the head always maintains its position and orientation, and in which in a neutral position, each arm is arranged so that, if drawing from the geometrical center of the polygon a straight line that is parallel to the pivot axis of any one of the arms, the straight line intersects that arm.

Abstract: A process control system includes economic models disposed in communication with process control modules, as well as with sources of economic data such as cost, throughput and profit data, and uses the economic models to determine useful economic parameters or information associated with the actual operation of the process plant at the time the plant is operating. The economic models can be used to provide financial statistics such as profitability, cost of manufactured product, etc. in real time based on the actual current operating state of the process and the business data associated with the finished product, raw materials, etc. These financial statistics can be used to drive alarms and alerts within the process network and be used as inputs to process plant optimizers, etc. to provide for better or more optimal control of the process and to provide a better understanding of the conditions which lead to maximum profitability of the plant.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with a laser communication system using a single wavelength are presented. A first data is modulated onto an RF carrier to produce a modulated RF carrier. A laser is intensity modulated using with the modulated RF carrier. The intensity modulated laser beam is transmitted from an interrogator to a modulating retro-reflector (MRR) terminal. A portion of the laser beam is received at a receiver at the MRR terminal. Another portion of the laser is modulated at the MRR terminal with a second data to produce a re-modulated laser beam. The re-modulated laser beam is reflected back to the interrogator.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for simulating an analog and mixed-signal circuit design comprising an analog circuit segment and a transmission gate network of a digital circuit segment, where the analog circuit segment is connected to the transmission gate network using a bi-directional connect module, where the analog circuit segment contributes with its own driving force to the digital circuit segment as an equivalent to a driver, and where the digital circuit segment contributes with its own driving force to the analog circuit segment. Additionally, in some systems and methods of the current invention, the bi-directional connect module defers to the transmission gate network any resolution of digital logic values to analog voltages, and any resolution of analog voltages to digital logic values.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include mapping an ellipse with its center at the origin of an xy-coordinate plane to a circle with its center at the origin of the xy-coordinate plane. The method may also include transforming a three-dimensional subject image including a curved profile in the xy-coordinate plane to an intermediate image based at least on the mapping of the ellipse to a base circle. The method may further include transforming the intermediate image to a transformed image having a linear profile by distorting each of one or more points of interest of the intermediate image based at least on a dimension of the circle and a coordinate of such point.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a TOF-PET apparatus includes a plurality of detector rings arranged along a central axis thereof. Each of the detector rings comprises a plurality of scintillators and a plurality of photomultipliers. The scintillators are arranged on a substantial circumference around the central axis and generate scintillation in response to pair annihilation gamma-rays from a subject. The photomultipliers generate an electric signal in accordance with the generated scintillation. A length of each of the scintillators along a radial direction of the substantial circumference is set to a range in which a value of a total number of counts/time resolution of coincidence events of pair annihilation gamma-rays is more improved than when a reference scintillator whose probability of interaction with pair annihilation gamma-rays is adjusted to 80% is used under conditions of a constant total volume of the scintillators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing electrical stimulation to a liver of a subject which includes providing one or more stimulatory electrodes to the liver of the subject and providing electrical stimulation to the liver of the subject. The invention further relates to methods of reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome, treating diabetes, treating a subject having eating disorders and reducing glucose levels of a subject using methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath pair is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath pair is removed by a health professional before placing the scaffold within the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a perspective guide. The perspective guide identifies a first object displayed on a graphical user interface rendered on a display device. An edge of the first object includes an anchor point. The anchor point is positioned on a vector that extends from the vanishing point towards the anchor point, where the predefined vanishing point is placed in a perspective drawing on the graphical user interface. The perspective guide associates a graphical pointer to the anchor point, and the perspective guide draws a new object relative to the anchor point on the graphical user interface while maintaining at least one edge of the new object in forced perspective alignment with the vector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using colors and color themes. One embodiment uses color(s) already included in a design to select and suggest other color(s) or color themes. For example, a design application may provide a listing of suggested color themes based on the colors used in a design area or in selected item(s) of a design area. Such a listing can be ordered based on assessments of how well the color themes match. The listing can also be updated in real time. For example, a designer adding a color to a design may trigger an update to the color theme listing.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detecting the occurrence of unusual events in a sequence of video frames Importantly, what is determined as unusual need not be defined in advance, but can be determined over time by observing a stream of primitive events and a stream of context events. A mapper component may be configured to parse the event streams and supply input data sets to multiple adaptive resonance theory (ART) networks. Each individual ART network may generate clusters from the set of inputs data supplied to that ART network. Each cluster represents an observed statistical distribution of a particular thing or event being observed that ART network.

Abstract: Methods of forming a capping layer on conductive lines in a semiconductor device may be characterized by the following operations: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a dielectric layer having (i) exposed conductive lines (e.g., copper lines) disposed therein, and (ii) an exposed barrier layer disposed thereon; and (b) depositing a capping layer material on at least the exposed conductive lines of the semiconductor substrate. In certain embodiments, the method may also involve removing at least a portion of a conductive layer (e.g., overburden) disposed over the barrier layer and conductive lines to expose the barrier layer.

Abstract: X-ray transmission data of a specific direction is extracted from X-ray transmission data obtained by rotating an X-ray tube irradiating an X-ray around an object. The outline of the object is calculated based on the X-ray transmission data of the specific direction. Then, based on this outline, the X-ray transmission data is corrected, and an image of the inside of the object is reconstructed from the corrected X-ray transmission data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating reperfusion or resuscitation injury in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to the individual who has had, having, or is at immediate risk of having an ischemic event an amount of a composition comprising a protein kinase A (PKA) activator and a ?1-adrenergic receptor antagonist sufficient to reduce reperfusion injury to an ischemic tissue.

Abstract: A recording unit holds a plurality of examination data including the examination date of a performed examination. A search unit extracts examination data matching a set condition, of the plurality of examination data held in the recording unit. An output unit outputs a search result by the search unit. A first narrowing unit extracts examination data in which the examination date is included within a designated first period. A reference data determination unit classifies the examination data extracted by the first narrowing unit by an examinee and determines, for every examinee, one piece of the examination data to be a reference in accordance with a predetermined rule.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.

Abstract: A multi-directional power conversion system for providing power to a motor of a hybrid vehicle includes an electric control unit; an electric motor which provides a driving force to the vehicle; a primary energy storage device; and a secondary energy storage device. An energy management system communicates parameters of the energy storage devices to the electronic control unit. A power manipulating device is coupled between the primary energy storage device and the secondary energy storage device that is configured to manage power between the energy sources and deliver electricity external the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer program products, implementing techniques for reviewing and editing word processing documents. The techniques include receiving from a reviewer a first comment about a word processing document receiving from the reviewer a second comment about the word processing document, sending the first comment to one or more editors and independently sending the second comment to one or more editors. The first comment can be sent before the second comment is received.