Abstract: A cover for a substrate including: a body defining a cavity, for positioning over the substrate to form a reaction chamber; and a projection extending from the body to define a fluid reservoir, when the cover is fitted to the substrate, the fluid reservoir being in fluid communication with the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to perform wavefront analysis, including phase and amplitude information, and 3D measurements in optical systems, and in particular those based on analyzing the output of an intermediate plane, such as an image plane, of an optical system. Measurement of surface topography in the presence of thin film coatings, or of the individual layers of a multilayered structure is described. Multi-wavelength analysis in combination with phase and amplitude mapping is utilized. Methods of improving phase and surface topography measurements by wavefront propagation and refocusing, using virtual wavefront propagation based on solutions of Maxwell's equations are described. Reduction of coherence noise in optical imaging systems is achieved by such phase manipulation methods, or by methods utilizing a combination of wideband and coherent sources.

Abstract: A valve having a trim comprising a plurality of impingement flowpaths, each flowpath comprising a central impingement chamber and having three radially directed inlet passages is provided. As the fluid floes through the inlet passages and enters the impingement chamber the flow starts to turn and impinge upon one another at a substantially central point within the impingement chamber and exit together via the outlet which is substantially axial to the impingement chamber. As the flows entering the impingement chamber impinge on one another as opposed to a wall of the flowpath, the impingement can be used to create a flowpath with reduced erosion.

Abstract: A system for using a pulsed laser beam to process materials includes a selector for varying the pulse repetition rate of the laser beam. Also included is a control unit for identifying an optimal pulse repetition rate that is compatible with the required pulse energy level for processing the material. Variations in the pulse repetition rate can be made during a procedure pursuant to either pre-programmed instructions, or in response to closed loop feedback controls.

Abstract: A high-speed optical communications cell is integrated at the interior of a two-dimensional imaging array. The combined receiver and imager carries out both photodetection (converting photons to electrons) and circuit functions (e.g. amplifying and integrating the signals from the photodetectors). The high-speed receiver cell comprises a photodetector and a high-speed amplification circuit, providing an electrical output which can follow a rapidly varying optical signal falling on the photodetector. The imaging array comprises an array of photodetectors and readout circuits, providing an electrical representation of the variation of light with position across the receiver surface. The presence of an imaging array surrounding the communications receiver, and in the same plane as it, allows a single optical path to be used for source acquisition and tracking as well as for data reception.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: The invention provides tinted contact lenses that include a limbal ring that serves to enhance the definition of the wearer's iris resulting in the iris appearing larger to viewer's of the lens wearer. The lens also incorporates additional elements that overlie a portion of the wearer's iris. The lenses of the invention may be used as cosmetic lenses for enhancing or altering an individual's iris.

Abstract: A lockable hydraulic power-assisted steering system for steering one or more wheels of a vehicle, the system comprising: a hydraulic pump (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3); a hydraulic reservoir (4) having an inlet (5) and an outlet (6); said pump inlet (2) being connected to the reservoir outlet (6); a hydraulic power steering housing (7a), the steering housing being operable by means of a steering wheel and the steering housing having an inlet port (8) and an outlet port (9); a hydraulic circuit, including: a pressure conduit connecting the pump outlet (3) to the steering housing inlet port (8), a return conduit connecting the steering housing outlet port to the reservoir inlet (5), a user operable lock valve (10) which selectively allows to connect and disconnect the steering housing inlet port (8) from the pump outlet (3) and/or to connect and disconnect the steering housing outlet port (9) from the reservoir inlet (5), characterized in that at the inlet port (8) of the hydraulic power steering ho

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for motion detection and capture control of video data from a capsule camera system having an on-board storage. The capsule camera system moves through the GI tract under the action of peristalsis and records images of the intestinal walls. The capsule's movement is episodic and jerky. The capacity of the on-board storage is limited. In order to avoid unnecessary capture of images when the capsule camera moves very slowly or stalls, motion detection technique is utilized to help control image capture. Furthermore, an adaptive capture control is disclosed that automatically adjusts the threshold level of capture control to maintain proper image capture. The invented capture control also conserves precious battery power by eliminating capture of unnecessary images when the capsule camera moves too slowly or stalls.

Abstract: The method of inspecting the surface of a three-dimensional body, includes moving at least one camera and at least one illuminating device relative to the surface of the three-dimensional body, taking pictures of the areas of the surface to be inspected during the movement of the at least one camera relative to the areas of the surface to be inspected, transmitting the pictures taken to a computer and evaluating the pictures in the computer to find any defects that are present. A system for performing the method is also described. In order to obtain high inspection quality, the camera, illumination device and the surface to be inspected are brought into plural different defined geometric relationships with each other during the inspecting of each of the areas on the surface, at least for a time period required to take one picture.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for classifying pixel values in a motion sequence of images. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of determining spectral information relevant to the sequence of images, and utilizing the spectral information to classify a pixel as one of background, shadow and object.

Abstract: The invention provides ophthalmic lenses useful in preventing myopia progression. The lenses of the invention provide substantially constant distance vision power zone in the center of the optic zone surrounded by a zone that provides positive longitudinal spherical aberration.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath, comprising: an endoscope housing, configured for housing at least a distal end of an insertion tube of an endoscope and allowing the traversing of an endoscopic tool therethrough; and a tool deflector configured for deflecting said endoscopic tool by changing a direction of movement of said endoscopic tool in relation to a direction of movement of said distal end of said insertion tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a suprastructure (7) with artificial teeth (8) which is mounted on at least one implant (9,10) that is provided in the cavity of the mouth of a person and that has to be fixed to the bone of the lower jaw or the upper jaw (1), whereby a drill jig (3) is manufactured with at least one opening (4) for performing a boring (5) in the bone for mounting said implant (9,10), with the feature that the position of said opening (4) in the drill jig (3) and the position of the latter is determined in relation to at least one reference organ (2) that is fixed to said bone.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring that a user on a host system periodically performs educational tasks is disclosed. The system comprises a host system on which an educational application and a primary application can execute; means for suspending the primary application when a suspension criterion is met; means for executing an interactive educational application on the host system until a resumption criterion is met; and means for resuming the primary application on the host system when the resumption criterion is met. The method comprises (a) suspending a primary application based on a suspension criterion; (b) presenting on a presentation device an educational task from a set of educational tasks; (c) receiving a user-generated response on an input device; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a resumption criterion is met; and (e) resuming the primary application when the resumption criterion is met.

Abstract: A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage.

Abstract: A method for red-eye detection in an acquired digital image comprises acquiring a first image and analyzing the first acquired image to provide a plurality of characteristics indicative of image quality. The process then determines if one or more corrective processes can be beneficially applied to the first acquired image according to the characteristics. Any such corrective processes are then applied to the first acquired image. Red-eye defects are then detected in a second acquired image using the corrected first acquired image. Defect detection can comprise applying a chain of one or more red-eye filters to the first acquired image. In this case, prior to the detecting step, it is determined if the red-eye filter chain can be adapted in accordance with the plurality of characteristics; and the red-eye filter is adapted accordingly.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: A portable electro-therapy device includes a microprocessor configured to generate and control electrical stimulation output signals, an electrode jack, a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to the electrode jack and configured to transmit the electrical stimulation output signals to a patient, a modem communication port, and a modem configured to provide communication between the portable electro-therapy device and a server-based support system. A server-based support system includes an application server configured to provide an interface to the server-based support system to authorized users, a resources server configured to securely store patient data, and a modem bank configured to provide communication between the portable electro-therapy device and the server-based support system.

Abstract: A wave power generating plant comprising an arrangement (20) of interconnected floating units (22). The arrangement (20) is anchored to the seabed via mooring buoys (26). Each floating unit comprises a floating pontoon (40), a stabilizer unit (44) and connecting means (48) for the interconnection of the floating units (22). The power is produced by relative vertical motion of the floating units (22), while each floating unit (22) is simultaneously locked in the horizontal plane.