Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus has: a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a matrix form; a QV amplifier unit having a plurality of QV amplifiers; a first connection unit connecting the plurality of X-ray detection elements and the QV amplifier unit; an AD converter unit having a plurality of AD converters; and a second connection unit connecting the QV amplifier unit and the AD converter unit. The plurality of X-ray detection elements and the QV amplifier unit are connected and the QV amplifier unit and the AD converter unit are connected so as to make different at least one of a signal processing characteristic of the QV amplifier unit and signal a processing characteristic of the AD converter unit for each X-ray detection element of the plurality of X-ray detection elements or for each of an adjacent plurality of X-ray detection elements.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly that produces a cone-shaped spray pattern of entrained liquid droplets is disclosed. The nozzle includes an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing a liquid on an atomizing surface located at the end of an atomizing stem. The nozzle assembly is supplied pressurized air that is directed to the atomizing surface by intercommunicating ports, chambers and/or channels. To provide the cone-shaped spray pattern, the ports, chambers and/or channels cause or direct the pressurized gas to rotate about the atomizing stem. When the rotating pressurized gas exits the nozzle assembly via proximate the atomizing surface, atomized liquid droplets become entrained in the gas. The rotating pressurized gas propels the droplets forward and moves at least some droplets circumferentially outward in the cone-shaped spray pattern. In various embodiments, the pressure of the gas can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the cone-shaped pattern and the distribution of droplets.

Abstract: A data transfer device transfers a data signal being digital in synchronization with a clock signal and includes a delay section, a measurement section, and a control section. The delay section controls a delay amount given to the data signal. The measurement section acquires an acquisition timing of the data signal output from the delay section using test data transmitted at least once prior to data communication and the clock signal. The control section determines the delay amount for the data signal during a period of data communication based on the acquisition timing or a stored timing.

Abstract: A hydrophone (10) for immersion in a liquid body defining a depth-dependent static pressure and a dynamic pressure. The hydrophone (10) includes a pressure-bearing element (11) for exposure to the liquid body; a motion sensor (13) spaced apart from the pressure bearing element (11); and a dilatant coupling material (14) disposed intermediate the pressure-bearing element (11) and the motion sensor (13) so as to mechanically transmit movements substantially corresponding to the dynamic pressure from the pressure-bearing element (11) to the motion sensor (13). The dilatant coupling material (14) does not transmit movements to the motion sensor (13) that substantially correspond to the depth-dependent static pressure.

Abstract: A retention assembly for a SIM card incorporated in a portable electronic device having a main body, includes a receiving portion, a limiting sheet and a resilient pressing member. The receiving portion is defined in the main body to receive the SIM card. The receiving portion defines an entrance end. The limiting sheet extends from a side of the receiving portion to an opposite side of the receiving portion to resist the SIM card. The resilient pressing member includes a fixing portion fixed to the main body, a limiting portion resisting an end of the SIM card adjacent to the entrance end of the receiving portion, and a resilient portion interconnecting with the fixing portion and the limiting portion to press against the SIM card.

Abstract: A method for testing each one of a plurality of receiving sites operative in a time difference of arrival geo-location system. The method comprises determining a theoretical time of arrival of a test message at each receiving site assuming the test message was transmitted from a test message transmitting antenna at a known location; determining a measured time of arrival of the test message at each receiving site, the test message transmitted from the test message transmitting antenna; determining a true time of arrival of the test message at each receiving site, the true time of arrival comprising the measured time of arrival less a start time of the test message; determining a difference between the theoretical and the true times of arrival for each receiving site, wherein the difference for each receiving site is indicative of a health of the receiving site.

Abstract: A method for ordering goods and services is used in conjunction with a computer-based ordering system that is principally viewed as a kiosk by customers or patrons of a restaurant. The method synchronizes the submission of an order for food preparation to a kitchen with the patrons actually getting a table at which they may sit. This reduces the wait time for the patron, increasing their overall satisfaction with service and reduces the cycle time of a particular table (increases “turns” at the table). The method includes receiving an order for goods or services through the computer-based ordering system to create an order. A queue value, e.g., a pager number, is then associated with the order to create a queued order. The queued order is then held in a database of the computer-based ordering system. The queued order is released and fulfilled after the queue value has expired.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for performing modified rate burst demodulation. For example, a method for performing modified rate burst demodulation is disclosed. The method includes receiving a data input that includes a synchronization pattern, an information pattern, and a demodulation pattern. A periodic boundary is established along with a phase and frequency of a sampling clock based at least in part on the synchronization pattern. The information pattern is processed using the sampling clock to determine a location fix. The sampling clock is phase shifted by a skew amount and a phase shifted sampling clock is provided. The demodulation pattern is processed using the phase shifted sampling clock.

Abstract: A behavior of a walker is detected according to combination of detection of the walking behavior on a level and an altitude variation of the walker to more accurately detect the behavior of the walker. A burned calorie can be obtained according to the type of the walking behavior. An altitude variation can be obtained more accurately by integrating altitude variation only at sections with vertical movement during walking. A stride is estimated according to the behavior of the walker in consideration of the vertical movement. Obtained position and traveling direction are used for compensating values in inertial navigation system. The behavior with and without vertical movement is used in a walker navigator and a worker observing system including a worker terminal carried by the walker for detecting the behavior of the worker and a worker observing terminal for providing the detected position and behavior of the walker.

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: A battery charging device (100) includes an adapter (10), at least one regulating circuit (30) and an attaching mechanism (40). The adapter is configured for connecting power supplies. The regulating circuit is electronically connected to the adapter, and regulates charging electric potential and charging current. The attaching mechanism is electronically connected to the regulating circuit, fixes different types of batteries thereon and electronically connects charged batteries to the battery charging device to charge.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for inventory administration and monitoring of medicines and pharmaceuticals from a pharmacy and medicinal administration facility for use in correctional facilities, such as in prisons. Information related to past medical history of a patient may be reviewed while simultaneously reviewing a prescription written for the same patient. Prescription filling tasks can also be controlled, such as printing labels for medication in batches to assist with the shipment of medication to prison units. Compliance records associated with medicinal administration of prescribed medications to patients can also be maintained.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring assembly includes a sensor secured to a valve stem secured within a wheel rim. The sensor is secured to the valve stem with a push on clip. The valve stem includes two pieces that provide for installation from one side of the wheel rim. The valve stem is separable to provide for the elongation of the rubber housing. Elongation of the housing causes a reduction in an outer diameter that provides for insertion into the opening of the wheel rim.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for use in a system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability. The valve partially exhausts air from an axle air bag when the vehicle is maneuvering at slow speed, reduces the load on the axle, and thus reduces damaging forces that affect tire wear and suspension component wear. The valve is a normally open, pilot operated valve that delivers supply air pressure upon receiving a sustained air pressure input of a pilot signal. Using an inversion function, the valve then dumps the delivery pressure through a high capacity exhaust upon receiving the pressure input of a secondary control signal. The hold function of the valve traps a reduced amount of delivery air pressure by closing the exhaust valve, and the hold function is actuated at a predetermined delivery pressure to trap a volume of air in the associated air suspension system until the valve member is returned to a supply position.

Abstract: A terminal fitting (10, 120, 210, 230) has a connecting portion (11, 121, 211) to be connected with a mating terminal and a wire barrel (12, 126, 212) to be crimped into connection with an end portion of a wire (20, 110, 220). A restriction (18, 152, 218A, 231) is between the connecting portion (11, 121, 211) than the wire barrel (12, 126, 212) and faces a placing surface of a bottom plate (16, 123, 216) where the end portion of the wire (20, 110, 220) is to be placed for restricting an upward movement of the end portion of the wire (20, 110, 220).

Abstract: The invention in general relates to Medical Instruments for bone fracture healing, ultrasonic surgery, tissue ablation and cutting and drilling, dry powder inhalers and more particularly to a method to monitor load condition and overall efficiency, safety and reliability of ultrasonic energy delivery using a Class E power Amplifier. Three parameters: frequency (f), duty cycle (D) and Power Amplifier supply voltage (Vdd) are continuously adjusted in order to maintain optimal and suboptimal Class E operation. The load for the power driver can be a single element or a stack. For every frequency and duty cycle of operation the MOSFET drain voltage is compared to a known value which is proportional to Power Amplifier supply voltage Vdd. During the MOSFET OFF part of operation a timer is started when drain voltage falls below a known threshold value. The timer is stopped by the MOSFET leading edge gate clock.

Abstract: A method of producing the low glare, high print gloss paper of the invention comprises the steps of providing a paper substrate, coating the substrate with an aqueous coating composition having, as a dry parts by weight per 100 parts of pigment, 50-90 parts coarse delaminated clay pigment having a particle size of 8-12 microns and 10-20 parts calcium carbonate having a particle size of between 0.7 and 1.1 microns, drying the coating; and supercalendering the coated substrate with at least two passes per side with rolls having a surface roughness of 90-130 Ra. The step of supercalendering imparts a Parker Print-Surf roughness of 1.7-2.2 microns and a sheet gloss of about 25-30. Four color printing produces a print gloss of 65-70 and a delta gloss of at least 38.

Abstract: A controller including a controller input coupled to an engine magneto for monitoring tractor engine operation by monitoring a change in magneto signal thereby determining if the engine is running. A power output circuit coupled to an output from the controller draws current from a tractor battery for powering an auxiliary component when the tractor engine is running and disrupts power to the auxiliary component when the tractor engine is not running to conserve battery life.