Abstract: Bio-degradable, high-barrier packaging materials and methods for production are provided. The present high-barrier packaging materials include a substrate having a print side and a back side, a coating having nano pigments on the print side and a metalized film applied to the back side with a binding layer. Preferably, at least one of the metalized film and the binding layer includes polylactic acid. Moreover, the back side preferably also includes a polylactic acid heat seal layer.

Abstract: A method for dynamically switching between communications protocols used in communicating with each of a plurality of physical computing devices includes configuring, by a storage delivery management service, a storage system in a storage area network, to communicate, according to a first communications protocol with a first physical computing device executing a virtual machine, the storage system providing, to the virtual machine, access to a virtual storage resource. The storage delivery management service receives a request to migrate the virtual machine from the first physical computing device to a second physical computing device. The storage delivery management service configures the storage system to communicate with the second physical computing device according to a second communications protocol. The storage delivery management service transmits, to the second physical computing device, an identification of the storage system providing access to the virtual storage resource for the virtual machine.

Abstract: A system for airborne dispersal of chemicals comprising a compressed gas gun having a gun body, a grip, a barrel, a trigger, a compressed gas source and a cylindrical collar positioned at an exit end of said barrel, having a bore therethrough and equipped with a depth-adjustable knife-edge disposed at an exit end of the collar, protruding into the bore, so as to slit a capsule containing a chemical solution or suspension upon exit from the collar and disperse the chemical solution or suspension.

Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.

Abstract: Methods of locating a tip of a central venous catheter (“CVC”) relative to the superior vena cava, sino-atrial node, right atrium, and/or right ventricle using electrocardiogram data. The CVC includes at least one electrode. In particular embodiments, the CVC includes two or three pairs of electrodes. Further, depending upon the embodiment implemented, one or more electrodes may be attached to the patient's skin. The voltage across the electrodes is used to generate a P wave. A reference deflection value is determined for the P wave detected when the tip is within the proximal superior vena cava. Then, the tip is advanced and a new deflection value determined. A ratio of the new and reference deflection values is used to determine a tip location. The ratio may be used to instruct a user to advance or withdraw the tip.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with adaptive hysteretic control. The voltage regulator may include a top switch (e.g., MOSFET) configured to couple a power supply supplying an input voltage to a load. An adaptive hysteretic control circuit of the voltage regulator may turn on the top switch when the feedback voltage reaches the low threshold and turn off the top switch when the feedback voltage reaches the high threshold. The adaptive hysteretic control circuit may adjust the upper and lower threshold to make the voltage regulator working like a constant on time control circuit in steady state. When a step down transient happens, the top switch could be turned off when the output voltage reaches the upper threshold, and when a step up transient happens, the top switch could be turned on when the output voltage reaches the lower threshold, it makes the voltage regulator working like a hysteretic control circuit.

Abstract: An infantry training simulation system comprising at least one firing lane, with at least one display arranged substantially near the end of the firing lane. A trainee experiencing the simulation can carry at least one physical or virtual weapon, which is typically similar to a traditional infantry weapon. To facilitate navigation and other interaction with the simulation, the weapon is preferably outfitted with at least one controller. At least one computer is communicatively coupled to the display and the weapon. The computer can monitor input from the at least one controller, and modifies the training simulation displayed on the display based on the input.

Abstract: A system and method for encrypting secondary copies of data is described. In some examples, the system encrypts a secondary copy of data after the secondary copy is created. In some examples, the system looks to information about a data storage system, and determines when and where to encrypt data based on the information.

Abstract: A method employing pattern recognition techniques for identifying the functional status of patients with Pulmonary Hypertension is described. This method describes a process by which sets of cardiopulmonary exercise gas exchange variables are measured during rest, exercise and recovery and stored as unique data sets. The data sets are then analyzed by a series of feature extraction steps, yielding a multi-parametric index (MPIPH) which reflects the current functional status of a patient. The method also employs a description scheme that provides a graphical image that juxtaposes the measured value of MPI to a reference classification system. An additional description scheme provides a trend plot of MPI values measured on a patient over time to provide feedback to the physician on the efficacy of therapy provided to the patient.

Abstract: A light projector for operation during a show that contains theatrical haze. The light projector may include a light source, a lens, a fan, and a housing having an inner chamber. The lens may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the lens may be contained within the inner chamber of the housing. The second side the lens may be outside of the inner chamber of the housing. The fan may be configured to be operated to generate air flow inside the inner chamber of the housing. A substantial portion of the air flow may be directed to impinge upon the first side of the lens to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens.

Abstract: A system prevents oxidation of a laser cut workpiece by utilizing a laser source that utilizes laser source with an inert gas, such as argon or helium, rather than air or oxygen, to create the slots or kerfs which form the pattern cut into the workpiece. The system introduces oxygen gas through the workpiece as it is being laser cut to oxidize any slag or dross created during the laser cutting process. Oxygen or a mixture of oxygen with other gases cools the slag and the workpiece while at the same time oxidizing the slag to either completely burn or partial burn the slag before it strikes an exposed surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and detector arrangements for scanning an object moving in a first direction that includes the steps of irradiating the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV, providing a first detector region having a thickness of at least 2 mm and a second detector region having a thickness of at least 5 mm where the second detector region is arranged to receive radiation that has passed through the first detector region, and detecting the radiation after it has interacted with or passed through the object in order to provide information relating to the object.

Abstract: A coarse timing acquisition technique includes generating a sequence detection indicator. The sequence detection indicator indicates detection of a sequence of repeated symbols in a received signal. The sequence detection indicator is based on a first energy threshold and a normalized moving sum of an autocorrelation signal. The autocorrelation signal is based on the received signal.

Abstract: A system for the customization of user settings on a target instrument includes a configuration module configured for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, and a representation module communicably coupled to the configuration module. The representation module includes a duplicate of firmware from the target instrument. A method of production of a system for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, includes configuring a configuration module for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, communicably coupling the configuration module to a representation module; and disposing a duplicate of firmware from the target instrument in the representation module.

Abstract: The flexible bearing of the wave generator for a wave gear device is a deep-groove ball bearing in which an outer race and an inner race form an annular flexible bearing ring capable of bending in a radial direction. A ball diameter Da is set to be 5 to 15% greater than that of each model of the currently available product. Dimensions of orbital plane radii ro, ri of the inner and outer races are set so that the ratio ro/Da of the orbital plane radius ro of the inner race and the ball diameter Da, as well as the ratio ri/Da of the orbital plane radius ri of the outer race and the ball diameter Da, are both in the range of 0.51 to 0.52. With this configuration, the service life of the flexible bearing can be extended.

Abstract: A process for recovering an oil from a tar sand, including the steps of drying the tar sand to produce a dried tar sand, mixing the dried tar sand with a microwave absorbent to produce a mixed sand, and cracking the mixed sand with microwaves to produce an oil vapor product containing the oil.

Abstract: A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: A radiation therapy dose distribution method starts with selecting a treatment type. Then an organ at risk (OAR) distance to target map is determined. The OAR distance to target map comprises distances to a target organ for portions of an OAR. The OAR distances are determined from at least one segmented patient organ image. A cohort average dose distance to target histogram is selected. A dose value to the portions of the OAR are assigned to form a first 3D dose distribution map. The dose values are from the selected cohort average dose distance to target histogram. A second 3D dose distribution map is determined based on a field arrangement determined by the treatment type and the first 3D dose distribution map. A dose distance to target histogram is calculated using the second 3D dose distribution map and the distance to target map.

Abstract: A novel wide null forming system achieves both wide bandwidth and beam width null through employing an antenna array to receive and transmit signals to which a complex null weight vector, calculated by perturbation program, is applied. The novel wide null forming system includes a multiple-element antenna array for receiving or transmitting signals. Multiple conditioning units matching the number of elements is present to condition the signals for proper reception and analysis, after which a series of complex multiplier processors adds complex weights. After being weighted each constituent beam is combined in an adding processor to form one composite beam for use by the user.