Abstract: A method of configuring a stack includes: connecting stacking ports of a plurality of stackable devices using one or more stacking links; connecting a user console to a first one of the stackable devices; transmitting a stack setup command from the user console to the first stackable device; and establishing a stack in response to the stack setup command. The stack is established by initiating a discovery process with the first stackable device in response to the stack setup command, wherein the first stackable device requests and receives identifying information from the stackable devices over the stacking links during the discovery process. The topology of the stackable devices is displayed with the user console in response to the identifying information. The stackable devices are authenticated during the discovery process such that the stack setup is secure. The first stackable device becomes the active controller of the stack by default.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A contrast marker having a casing and a novel MRI contrast agent comprising metal complexes disposed around, within, or abuting the casing is provided. Such contrast markers may be placed in a strand, with or without a therapy seed, to produce a seeded strand useful for imaging and in connection with brachytherapy.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling charging process of an electronic device. The electronic device is installed with a battery and a protection circuit. The method includes setting a time interval to check a charging state of the electronic device, checking whether the battery is in an error state before a power supply charges the electronic device, and checking whether the electronic device is in an charging error state according to the time interval till the electronic device completes the charging process. When there is an abnormity, the method can output a message to a user and end the charging process using the protection circuit.

Abstract: In order to achieve improved properties in a rudder stock for rudders for water vehicles, at least the lower end area of the rudder stock to be inserted into the rudder and to be mounted in the rudder has a non-metallic material.

Abstract: A staging valve arrangement is described that comprises an arrangement of electrically driven staging valves that are located, in use, in the high temperature core zone of an engine. Each staging valve may comprise a housing having an inlet, a pilot flow outlet and a mains flow outlet, a valve member movable between a closed position in which the mains flow outlet is closed and an open position in which the mains flow outlet is open, a motor operable to drive the valve member for movement, and a cooling arrangement.

Abstract: A transportation system for secure, auditable and trackable smart mobile containers (SMC) for securely shipping less than truckload volumes of products that require special handing segregation as controlled products, such as ethical drugs, along with general, non-controlled merchandise. Dedicated semi-trailer lockers are secured under the deck I-beam framing, including lockable fold-down doors that become ramps for loading/unloading. The lockers are mounted back to back along the center line of the trailer under-deck. Each SMC includes a electronics package that can read RFID tags, has condition sensors and an RF module to permit remote monitoring of location and cargo/container conditions. The SMC can include an electronic lock that provides access security, and an audit trail of all opening and closing events.

Abstract: In a device for the intermittent occlusion of the coronary sinus, including a catheter with several lumens, an occlusion device fixed to the catheter and operable through at least one lumen of the catheter, and at least one pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the coronary sinus, the catheter additionally comprises support means for supporting the catheter on the inner wall of the coronary sinus, which support means are reversibly placeable in abutment on the inner wall of the coronary sinus by an operating element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: Automated ultrasonic scanning of a chestwardly compressed breast of a supine patient uses a scanning assembly that moves down to compress the breast through a membrane that is secured to the assembly across a bottom opening. A motorized ultrasound transducer moves across the breast while the breast remains downwardly compressed against the patient's chest, sending and receiving ultrasound energy through the membrane. The membrane is porous with respect to an acoustic coupling liquid that impregnates it. The transducer outputs ultrasound information that is processed to form initial planar images and then reconstructed slice images of breast tissue.

Abstract: An application object for a supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application distributable to a plurality of networked computer devices and having a layered architecture, the application object comprising a set of text entries listed in a first language, a dictionary within each object drafted to enable the set of text entries to be translated into a plurality of multiple languages, and a set of one or more translation fields for storing text in each of the plurality of languages corresponding to the set of text entries listed in the first language.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining a driving state of a moving object using a gravity value sensor and a speed measurement device is provided. Specifically, disclosed is an apparatus and method that can determine whether a moving object is in a level driving state or in an inclining/declining-slope driving state using a Y-axis measurement value of an acceleration sensor and a speed of a speed measurement unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antenna calibration for active phased array antennas. Specifically, the present invention relates to a built in apparatus for autonomous antenna calibration Accordingly, the present invention provides an antenna array comprising: a plurality of calibration antennas mounted around the array; wherein the calibration antennas have overlapping ranges such that the entire array face of the antenna array is within range of at least once calibration and each pair of calibration antennas is in range of a common area of the array face.

Abstract: A distributed file system enables the intelligent storing and retrieval of files among a plurality of storage units. The distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy. The distributed file system includes a switch to receive a read request for a file and to send the read request to one of the storage units. Each of the plurality of storage units is operable to monitor access to the file, such that a block cache module is operable to perform a scalable number of packet read aheads, wherein the scalable number is based on at least a current read rate and a current latency of a link to access the at least one file.

Abstract: A high power integrated fiber laser system includes cascaded amplifiers that utilize low numerical aperture fiber amplifiers. The system is rugged and lightweight.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has a first transducer which transmits an acoustic primary wave having two frequency components, and a second transducer which, in order to receive a reflected wave of an acoustic secondary wave generated with propagation of the acoustic primary wave, is disposed so that a region for receiving the reflected wave is superimposed on the first transducer as seen along the direction of transmission of the acoustic primary wave.

Abstract: Improved fabricated adhesive microstructures and methods of fabricating adhesive microstructures incorporating deformable materials are provided. The fabricated adhesive microstructures exhibit significantly improved adhesion strengths at least at smooth surfaces such as glass, as compared to known fabricated adhesive microstructures. The adhesion strengths of fabricated microstructures of the invention for a range of smooth glass contact surfaces may be in the range of between about 125 kPa and 220 kPa in air at one atmosphere pressure and in the range of between about 25 kPa and 120 kPa in vacuum. Synthetic elastomers are used in the invention. A method of fabricating new adhesive microstructures having multiple levels of compliance with a surface has been proposed. Methods of fabricating new double-sided adhesive microstructures via moulding have further been proposed.

Abstract: A system for unloading a railcar includes an imaging system for generating a model of features of the railcar as the railcar enters an unloading station, and an actuation device in communication with the imaging system for identifying a capstan using model information and engaging the capstans to cause the discharge of material from the railcar.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately.