Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor disposed movably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, at least one first antenna, at least one second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, and a processor. The processor associates a first signal with a first item if the processor receives the first signal from the receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the antenna radiates radio frequency signals. The first antenna radiates radio frequency signals if at least one item is in the path of travel within a third area that includes, and is larger than, the first area.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed comprises a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. At least one antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from radio frequency identification tags on the items passing through the path of travel. A radio frequency transmitter drives the antenna. A radio frequency receiver receives the signals corresponding to the responses and outputs the first signals corresponding to the responses.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A first antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the first antenna radiates first radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass. A second antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the second antenna receives first responses to the first radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags. The information identifies a class protocol. A third antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel downstream from the first antenna and the second antenna.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor disposed movably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, at least one first antenna, at least one second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to associate information included in a first signal corresponding to a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the first signal while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A plurality of antennas are disposed proximate the path of travel so that the plurality of antennas radiate radio frequency signals into first areas through which the items pass and receive responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags on the items. A first antenna is offset with respect to the path of travel from a second antenna so that the radio frequency signals from the second antenna generally do not interfere with reception of responses by the first antenna from radio frequency identification tags located within a predetermined second area along the path of travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Composite Construction Building Panel now present in the prior art, it provides an improved Composite Construction Building Panel. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be mounted on varying configurations, ranging from vertical, horizontal or overhead securely without requiring any elaborate construction processes. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be manufactured using simple, relatively inexpensive process equipment that is already available. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be a complete structural component with the insulating factors for thermal and sound, plus an exterior finished surface that will protect the foam panels and the interior of the building from the elements and also complete the aesthetically pleasing exterior surface so that no other surface need be installed to the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) in which a higher order lasing mode produces a Gaussian-like single mode far field beam intensity pattern. Such a VCSEL includes a protective surface deposition on a VCSEL structure, and phase filter elements on the surface deposition. The surface deposition and the phase filter elements implement an optical phase filter that induces optical path difference such that a single mode far field beam intensity pattern results when the VCSEL operates in a higher order lasing mode. The VCSEL can include structures that enhance a selected higher-order operating mode and/or that suppress unwanted operating modes.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for aligning a light beam with a core flow in a flow stream. The flow stream may have a sheath fluid and a core flow, where the core flow has a current position within the flow stream. A light source may be used to produce a light beam, and an optical element may be used to direct the light beam at the core flow. In some illustrative embodiments, an actuator is provided for moving the optical element, light source and/or flow stream such that the light directed by the optical element is aligned with the current position of the core flow.

Abstract: A compound sensor imaging system having lenses moveable relative to one another and their respective detectors. The movement may be controlled by a computer. The patterns of movement may be provided by algorithms. The system may have numerous optical units or modules. Each module may have a lens and a sub-array of one or more detectors. There may be barriers between adjacent modules to reduce cross-talk. The lenses, barriers and detector sub-arrays may be of arrays aligned with one another and fabricated together as an assembly.

Abstract: A multiplexed set of light sources having outputs of light with various wavelengths which are combined into one beam. The beam may impinge a particle in a flow channel of a cytometer. The light leaving the flow channel may be sensed by a detector and the light distinguished according to wavelength.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a mode-selective mirror. A filter is formed on the top DBR stack of a VCSEL. The filter includes semiconductor layers that are etch stops for immediately superior layers. The filter is selectively etched to create a first region that is phase matched to the top DBR stack and a second region that is phase mismatched to the top DBR stack. The second region inhibits undesired modes and provides additional absorption for the undesired modes. The first region is formed using a wet-etch process whose etch depth is controlled because the semiconductor layers are etch stops for immediately superior layers.

Abstract: A method for processing scanned code data, including a plurality of strings, to determine whether the scanned code data is part of a valid code begins by examining a first string of a first scanned code data. A cluster is opened with the first string if the first string contains a start pattern. At least one valid middle portion of the first string is identified and a transition position count associated with the at least one valid middle portion is stored. A second scanned code data is searched for a second string matching at least part of the first string in the cluster. If a match is found, then the second string is added to the end of the cluster. The cluster is closed upon detection of a stop pattern and is then decoded.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for processing text-based documents. A frequency of terms data set is generated for the terms appearing in the documents. Singular value decomposition is performed upon the frequency of terms data set in order to form projections of the terms and documents into a reduced dimensional subspace. The projections are normalized, and the normalized projections are used to analyze the documents.

Abstract: A cytometer having two or more chambers or regions in a containment structure of sheathing fluid that may be used to provide hydrodynamic focusing of another fluid having particles to be observed. The latter fluid may be a core stream which may have its lateral position in a flow or measurement channel affected by control of at least one of the parameters of the several segments of the sheathing fluid. The lateral position of the core stream may be aligned with a light source and detector for a count and observation of the particles. Electrical signals from the detector may be fed back to a processor which may control one or more parameters of the sheathing fluid in the various chambers or regions via pumps, valves, and flow and pressure sensors. This control of parameters may provide for the positioning of the core stream. This cytometer may be miniaturized.

Abstract: A device for cutting flat substances, such as paper, photographs and cardboard, adapted to provide a variety of decorative edged cuts. The cutting edges of the invention are arranged horizontally to enhance not only the quality and continuity of the decorative cuts, but also a user's ability to safely operate the invention. Cutting edges are optionally replaceable and can be stored in specially adapted holders located on the underside of the base plate cutting surface.

Abstract: A sample analyzer cartridge for use at a point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.

Abstract: A sample analyzer with a removable and/or disposable cartridge for use at the point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.

Abstract: An optical system for high speed transmission of optical data. The system may condition light signals from a source for projection into an optical medium that is to convey the signals with high speed to another place. This conditioning may result in the light having an annular intensity distribution or profile. Much of the intensity of the light is near the periphery of the optical medium. This medium may be an optical fiber. This annular distribution may be attained with an optical element having a slope discontinuity or light from it being defocused to a certain extent at the optical medium. Either of these characteristics or both of them may used in the optical system so it can transmit light signals at very high rates.