Abstract: Hierarchical address virtualization within a memory controller and configurable block device allocation are disclosed. Respective virtual block devices (VBDs) are defined in flash memory managed by a common memory controller, with data access managed using address virtualization techniques. The common memory controller then tracks the need for maintenance operations independently for each VBD. Information may be received from the common memory controller regarding the need for maintenance operations in respective virtual block devices (VBDs), and commands are then selectively issued to the common memory controller in a manner so as to independently schedule these operations for the respective VBDs; performance of maintenance operations by the memory controller in a first VBD is unconstrained by performance characteristics associated with a second VBD.

Abstract: A gauge assembly which has a gauge surface including graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter. A pointer arm is provided which is made out of a light guide or light transmitting material. The pointer arm includes a step portion in an operative portion of the second bottom surface for reducing light received by said second surface adjacent the step portion and providing an overall even light throughout the operative illuminated viewing surface of the pointer arm.

Abstract: An antenna system with a sharp difference in directional pattern is intended for receiving GNSS signals. The antenna system includes at least two antenna elements located above a high-impedance capacitive ground plane, and a combining network. Antenna elements are spaced apart in vertical direction. The combining network provides subtraction of the signal reflected from the ground, the arrangement of antenna elements above the high-impedance capacitive ground plane making such subtraction efficient.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, a system can include a client computing device configured to: in response to user interaction, store an identifier associated with a first tag in association with a first file; and in response to instructions to perform a secondary copy operation, forward the first file, a second file, and the identifier associated with the first tag. The system may also include a secondary storage controller computer(s) configured to: based on a review of the identifier associated with the first tag, identify the first file as having been tagged with the first tag; electronically obtain rules associated with the first tag; perform on the first file at least a first secondary storage operation specified by the rules associated with the first tag; and perform on the second file at least a second secondary storage operation, wherein the first and second secondary storage operations are different.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging device include a scintillator layer configured to generate light from x-rays, a TFT detector array at the first surface of the scintillator layer to detect light generated in the scintillator, and a CMOS sensor at the second surface of the scintillator layer to detect light generated in the scintillator.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming plasma are provided. In an embodiment, a plasma generator system is provided including a container, a single coil disposed around the container, the single coil being a single member and having a first end, a second end, a first winding, and a second winding, wherein the first winding extends from the first end, and the second winding is integrally formed as part of the first winding and extends to the second end, an energy source electrically coupled directly to the first end of the single member, and a capacitor electrically coupled directly to the second end of the single member.

Abstract: Top-down methods of increasing reflectivity of tungsten films to form films having high reflectivity, low resistivity and low roughness are provided. The methods involve bulk deposition of tungsten followed by a removing a top portion of the deposited tungsten. In particular embodiments, removing a top portion of the deposited tungsten involve exposing it to a fluorine-containing plasma. The methods produce low resistivity tungsten bulk layers having lower roughness and higher reflectivity. The smooth and highly reflective tungsten layers are easier to photopattern than conventional low resistivity tungsten films. Applications include forming tungsten bit lines.

Abstract: A control circuit having access to at least one high-energy image of a scene assesses that image to identify candidate obfuscaters as well as candidate obfuscated objects. This control circuit then processes information regarding the candidate objects to identify objects of interest. By one approach these objects of interest are deemed “of interest” as a function of their being obfuscated in a particular context. By one approach these teachings will accommodate identifying objects as being of interest as a function, at least in part, of the material composition of both the object as well as the visual obfuscater. These teachings also will accommodate peeling away background content/attenuation information in order to separate (and facilitate displaying) a given object in relative isolation from that background content.

Abstract: A bedrail clamp with a jaw member positionable by an actuating member, the actuating member being configured to move to move the jaw member away from the bedrail and toward the bedrail to move the jaw member into contact with the bedrail to secure the bedrail against the clamp housing. Either the actuating member or the jaw member features an inclined surface that includes a first portion with a first angle and a second portion with a second angle. Methods of operating a bedrail clamp.

Abstract: Packaging apparatuses for loading and sealing products into a web of interconnected bags, and methods of using them, are provided. In one aspect, the packaging apparatus includes an intermittently advancing web conveyor that also indexes vertically to facilitate stacked loading of products into the bags. In another aspect, the packaging apparatus includes a dividing seal station that applies a center seal dividing the bag into separate sealed subcompartments, some of the bag contents being distributed to each compartment, such as one of two trays to each subcompartment. To facilitate distribution of contents and even sealing, the dividing seal station may include a dividing sealer lower support that oscillates vertically to promote settling of contents and gases in the bag before applying a dividing seal.

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated planar, series connected fuel cell system having electrochemical cells electrically connected via interconnects, wherein the anodes of the electrochemical cells are protected against Ni loss and migration via an engineered porous anode barrier layer.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve, which includes a main body portion, a cavity formed as part of a main body portion, and an inner wall integrally formed with the main body portion adjacent the cavity. A circumferential flange is integrally formed with the inner wall, such that the circumferential flange surrounds a valve cavity. A valve member is attached to the inner wall disposed in the valve cavity, and a flow aperture is formed as part of the inner wall. Fluid flows through the flow aperture into the valve cavity, and when the pressure in the valve cavity is above a predetermined value, the valve member contacts the inner wall, preventing fluid from flowing through the flow aperture.

Abstract: A system for preserving a blood sample and removing hematocrit includes a casing, the casing having a sample port and a lateral flow strip in the casing, the lateral flow strip receiving a sample through the sample port, and flowing the sample down a length of the lateral flow strip.

Abstract: A system for detecting an analyte with a reagentless dry test strip includes a collector for collecting a blood sample from a user. The system additionally includes a mixer for receiving the collector and mixing the blood sample. The system additionally includes reagents, located in the mixer, for mixing with the blood sample. The system additionally includes a dry test strip for receiving the blood sample mixed with the reagents.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for adaptive cruise control of a vehicle, comprises an interface operable to receive data from a plurality of sensors and a training module operable to analyze the data and determine a first set of parameters for a first performance mode of the adaptive cruise control system. The first set of parameters is learned based upon the received data. A reading module is operable to read a recorded second set of parameters for a second performance mode, wherein the second set of parameters are read from the received data. A comparison module is operable to select one of the first performance mode and the second performance mode and a controller is operable to receive the set of parameters associated with the selected performance mode, wherein the controller determines desired vehicle actions based on the received set of parameters and send instructions to implement the desired vehicle actions.

Abstract: A troffer door assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of interconnected frame members, a lens member retained by at least one of the plurality of interconnected frame members, a connecting member coupled to the frame assembly and configured to detachably couple the troffer door assembly to a housing of a troffer light fixture, a rigid brace member, and a plurality of LEDs attached to the rigid brace member. The rigid brace member includes a heat conductive material configured to dissipate heat produced by the plurality of LEDs. At least two of the plurality of interconnected frame members include a heat conductive material, and the rigid brace member is thermally coupled with the at least two of the plurality of interconnected frame members such that both the rigid brace member and the frame assembly dissipate heat produced by the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A connector for interlocking structures includes a first Y-shaped connector affixed to a portion of a first structure, a second Y-shaped connector affixed to a portion of a second structure. A loop-type engaging element is mounted on one of: (i) the inner faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors; (ii) the outer faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors. A hook-type engaging element mounted on the other of: (i) the inner faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors; (ii) the outer faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors. Each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors is selectively configurable to either a male configuration or a female configuration.

Abstract: A pinch wall and dam system for controlling fluid flow movement between a sample receiving pad and a test strip includes a sample receiving pad and a test strip in contact with the sample receiving pad. The fluid seeps more quickly under the first portion of the pinch wall than under the second portion of the pinch wall, such that the test strip becomes saturated prior to excess fluid being absorbed in the portion of the sample receiving pad away from the test strip such that the test strip does not become flooded, the portion of the sample receiving pad positioned away from the test strip being sufficiently sized to absorb the excess fluid. The pinch wall and dam system further includes a dam, sitting on top of the sample receiving pad, the dam preventing the backflow of fluid from an area near the first portion of the pinch wall.

Abstract: A quasi-cyclic LDPC encoding apparatus is disclosed wherein a matrix H of the form [0 T; D E] is used, where T is a triangular matrix and D and E are arbitrary matrices selected to improve encoding performance. T and E vary with the size of an encoded data word whereas D is maintained constant. T and E are sparse such that encoding operations performed on them are computationally simple. Likewise D and its inverse are constant and pre-computed further reducing computation. T, E, and D and the inverse of D may be constrained to be quasi-cyclic, which reduces storage required to represent them and enables the performance of encoding operations using shift registers.