Abstract: A backlight layer to be operatively coupled with an LCD panel, the backlight layer comprising: an illumination source configured to illuminate the LCD panel; a dual-mode infrared filter configured to filter an infrared spectrum of light emanating from the illumination source, wherein: when the dual-mode infrared filter is in an enabled mode, the dual-mode infrared filter is positioned in the path of the light emanating from the illumination source and before the light reaches the LCD panel, thereby filtering an infrared spectrum of the light, and when the dual-mode infrared filter is in a disabled mode, the dual-mode infrared filter is positioned out of the path of light emanating from the illumination source, thereby allowing a complete spectrum of the light to reach the LCD panel.

Abstract: An application for a non-lethal arrow. The application may comprise a foam tip and may further comprise an elastic attachment mechanism and a base. The foam tip may comprise an impact end and a base connection end. The elastic attachment mechanism may comprise one or more elastic fingers. The base may comprise a shaft connection end and a flat supporting plate end. The ends of the finger or fingers of the elastic attachment mechanism may be secured to the base. The length of the finger or fingers may be elastically extended and wrapped around at least a portion of the foam tip, holding the foam tip against the flat support plate of the base.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a mandrel, a sealing element, a cone, a plurality of fingers, and a slip. The sealing element may be positioned around the mandrel. The sealing element is configured to expand radially-outward from a contracted state to an expanded state. The cone may be positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the sealing element. The plurality of fingers may be positioned at least partially around the mandrel. The fingers may be axially-aligned with at least a portion of the sealing element. The fingers are coupled to a base and configured to break away from the base at a weak point when the sealing element expands into the expanded state. The slip may be positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the cone. The slip may include a tapered inner surface configured to slide along a tapered outer surface of the cone.

Abstract: A semiconductor package structure and forming method thereof; the semiconductor package structure includes a heat sink frame (2) and a lead frame (1), where the heat sink frame (2) is connected with a heat sink (4), a chip pad (21) of the lead frame (1) is adhered with a chip (3), and the heat sink (4) is connected to the chip (3) through a bonding material (5), and where the lead frame (1) is provided with a first lead (22), and the heat sink frame (2) is provided with a second lead (43) and a third lead (44).

Abstract: Methods of controlling flow into a formation through the use of a stimulation valve in a tubular assembly installed in a well. Fluid is pumped into the formation through one or more ports in the stimulation valve. The stimulation valve defines a conduit for flow of fluids through the stimulation valve. The ports are adapted to allow flow of fluids between the conduit and the exterior of the stimulation valve and to receive a ball sealer for shutting off flow of fluids through the ports. The ports then are closed by introducing a plurality of ball sealers into the fluid. The fluid carries the ball sealers into the valve where they seat on and shut off flow of the fluid through the ports.

Abstract: A latching device secures a strap to a piece of sports equipment. The latching device includes a buckle and a base. The buckle has a main body portion. The main body portion has an integrally formed collet and has a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots each having a plurality of teeth shaped members that are configured to secure the strap to the buckle. The base is attached to the piece of sports equipment. The base has a first shaft and an annular ring. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. A ball shaped member is attached to the first end of the first shaft. The annular ring is formed on a periphery of the base surrounding the first shaft. The ball shaped member is releasably received in the collet to releasably engage the buckle with the base.

Abstract: A ground robot having a main body, two opposing drive systems, a flipper disposed distal to the main body, and a front wheel and a rear wheel, both disposed substantially parallel to the vertical plane and between the inner track and the flipper. The main body has a sagittal plane and two opposing lateral sides. Each drive system having an inner track disposed proximal to the main body. The inner track extends along a corresponding lateral side of the two opposing lateral sides and substantially parallel to a vertical plane of the main body, and is supported by a plurality of inner pulleys. The flipper extending along the corresponding lateral side and substantially parallel to the vertical plane. The flipper has a flipper body, an outer track, and a plurality of outer pulleys supporting the outer track. The diameter of the front wheel and the rear wheel of each of the opposing drive systems ranges between 1.2 to 1.3 times of a diameter of the inner track.

Abstract: The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector.

Abstract: A modular trailer with a fold-down configuration designed to be coupled to motor vehicles. It incorporates a main frame module, including a tow-bar assembly, two support brackets with retractable wheels and a self-supporting chassis to which supplementary modules can be attached.

Abstract: A shift-by-wire transmission system is provided. The system includes a gearbox that is configured and arranged to receive a rotational input and provide a select rotational output. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear assemblies that are operationally coupled together to provide the select rotational output from the rotational input. A shift assembly is operationally coupled to the plurality of gear assemblies of the gearbox to selectively change gearing of gearbox. An electric motor is operationally coupled to the shift assembly to activate the shift assembly to selectively change the gearing of the gearbox. A manual shift override is employed that is coupled between the shift assembly and the electric motor. The manual shift override is configured and arranged to manually disconnect the electric motor from the shift assembly and activate the shift assembly.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor (FET) structure for preventing from shorting is disclosed. The field-effect transistor (FET) structure is applying to a power discrete device, such as the MOSFET or IGBT. The field-effect transistor structure comprises a MOSFET chip and a metal clip. A silver layer (or silver string) is welded on the surface of the metal clip jointed with the source pad so that the silver paste may be not overflowed and permeated into the gate bus to achieve the effect of preventing from shorting.

Abstract: A vertical tier growing system for growing plants (8). The system includes at least one vertically tiered shelf section (1) secured to and movable along a floor track. Each section (1) has its own means to direct nutrient fluid and light to plants (8) growing on said section (1).

Abstract: A downhole tool, packer, and method for manufacturing a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a first sealing element, and a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element. The downhole tool also includes a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween. The back-up member includes one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member.

Abstract: A smooth bore toe valve includes a first sub defining a through bore and a fluid flow path through a wall thereof; a second sub; a housing mechanically engaged with the first and second subs to define a valve cavity axially between the first and second subs and to define a chamber radially between the first and second subs and the housing, the housing further defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof; and a sleeve disposed within the chamber between the housing and the first and second subs to close the openings and, upon application of fluid pressure horn the through bore through the fluid this path, open the openings to fluid flow from the valve cavity to the exterior of the housing. A method for using such a valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for installing a single valve assembly into in-service pipelines are presented using conventional hot tap technology. In one embodiment, the single valve assembly may comprise a removable cartridge assembly that comprises a wedge assembly that is rotated from an open position to a closed position and movable from a first unexpanded position to a second compressed position that sealingly engages one or more sealing elements to the valve body or housing to prevent fluid flow in the pipeline. The cartridge assembly is configured to be removed from the valve body for repair, maintenance, or replacement without additional line stops or interruptions to the in-service pipeline.

Abstract: A high heat-dissipation chip package structure for packaging the semiconductor chips is disclosed. A pre-attachment film is adhered on an upper surface of a heat-dissipation plate or a connection plate first and then it is packaged. After packaging, the pre-attachment film is torn off from the upper surface of the heat-dissipation plate or the connection plate. Finally, a metal layer is electroplated on the location of the upper surface of the heat-dissipation plate or the connection plate where the pre-attachment film is torn off so as to improve the fabricating and packaging quality of the semiconductor chips, reduce the cost of cleaning process, and improve the effects of heat dissipation and electrical conductivity.