Abstract: Herein disclosed are a computer-implemented method, a system, and a kit for assessing/classifying the health status associated with a microbiome profile of a gastrointestinal (GI) sample. The method includes receiving data regarding expression levels of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of a V4 region of 16S rRNA in a GI sample of a subject, and utilizing a machine learning algorithm that is trained to distinguish a healthy state from a sick state, a score is computed, and a prediction is made for the presence of a general microbial response that is shared by a large variety of diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (100) for alerting an operator to the presence of obstacles (50, 52) during the towing or push-back of an aircraft (10) while it is on the ground, the apparatus (100) comprising: a self-propelled platform (110); at least one sensor (120) attached to said platform, configured to sense potential obstacles; and a communication system (130) attached to said platform for transmitting data relating to said sensed obstacles, the communication system being operable to communicate with at least one of: a same said apparatus; an operator control panel; a command centre (70); the aircraft (10) being towed or pushed-back; and a vehicle (20) towing or pushing-back the aircraft. There is also disclosed an aircraft collision avoidance system (200) for use during towing or push-back of an aircraft while it is on the ground, the system comprising: at least one apparatus (100a) as aforesaid; and a carrier (250) configured to carry said at least one apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a self-processing synthesis of hybrid nanostructures, novel nanostructures and uses thereof in the construction of electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: Provided is a self-processing synthesis of hybrid nanostructures, novel nanostructures and uses thereof in the construction of electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: A mechanical adjustable device described herein is adapted to enable changing the spatial shape of the device from a first shape to a second shape, while retaining the device in its second shape. Preferably, the device includes: a) a spring; b) a plurality of longitudinally extended ribs or wires that are capable of being bent, wherein these plurality of ribs or wires are circumferentially disposed along an enclosure confined by the spring, adjacent to the inner side of the spring; and c) a flexible sleeve or tube disposed longitudinally along the enclosure confined by the spring.

Abstract: A mechanical adjustable device is provided, which is characterized in that it is adapted to enable changing its spatial shape from a first spatial shape to a second spatial shape, and retaining the mechanical adjustable device in its second shape. Preferably, the mechanical adjustable device comprises: a) a spring; b) a plurality of longitudinally extended ribs/wires characterized in that they are capable of being bent, wherein said plurality of longitudinally extended ribs/wires are circumferentially disposed along an enclosure confined by the spring, adjacent to the inner side of the spring; and c) a flexible sleeve/tube disposed longitudinally along the enclosure confined by the spring.

Abstract: Provided is a filtration system including a filter housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. A plurality of filtration units are disposed within the filter housing. The system can further include at least one cleaning system configured for cleaning at least one filtration unit of the plurality of filtration units and at least one drive unit. The at least one drive unit can be configured for displacing one or both of said at least one filtration unit of the filtration units and the at least one cleaning system with respect to the other of said at least one filtration unit of the filtration units and said at least one cleaning system.

Abstract: A mobilizing apparatus is provided for moving an airplane positioned on the ground, wherein the mobilizing apparatus comprises at least one pair of main wheels and engagement means, and is characterized in that the engagement means is adapted to enable engagement of the mobilizing apparatus to the airplane central under carriage so that the axis along which the at least one pair of the mobilizing apparatus main wheels is essentially located, is along a virtual axis formed between the central wheels of the airplane to be moved, thereby the mobilizing apparatus main wheels are positioned essentially parallel to the respective airplane central wheels upon engaging the mobilizing apparatus to the airplane to be moved.

Abstract: A novel system and procedure for placement and validation of I/O pins within an ASIC package module. The system reads and a plurality of data files containing chip design, technology and package related information. The parsed data is stored in a single I/O assignment information database that functions to store and organize all the data from all chip design, technology and package files. Access to the database is controlled by three sets of keys, with each key in each set being unique. The three sets of keys include: pin name, package pin coordination and Controlled Collapse Chip Connection (C4) on a flip chip area array packaging or IO slot (i e. chip wire bond connection). A dynamic graphical view of the package pins is built using these three keys and the contents of the I/O assignment information database. Users enter pin assignments data and, in response, the system validates the data against a set (of technology constraints and updates the assignment database accordingly.

Abstract: A pocket or wrist watch has a unique back member that is constructed to hold a disc by adhesive means. The disc may impart special importance to the watch. It may be constructed from a gaming chip. The watch movement may be housed in another portion of a gaming chip so that the face and back of the watch are seen as a gaming chip. In another form of the invention, the face of the watch and the disc back may be inscribed with various indicia having special meaning to a recipient.

Abstract: A scanning system for use in inspecting or writing on a substrate minimizes vibrations by applying movement-actuating forces directly between a carriage and a countermass which are both free to move along parallel tracks. Forces for decelerating and accelerating the scanning carriage are preferably applied along a minor part of a length of movement of the carriage. The carriage is then isolated from forces applied parallel to the track while moving along a major part of its length of movement. As a result, the carriage travels smoothly with approximately uniform speed during it's operative pass, without suffering from vibrations introduced by direct closed-loop feedback control.

Abstract: A scanning system for use in inspecting or writing on a substrate minimizes vibrations by applying movement-actuating forces directly between a carriage and a countermass which are both free to move along parallel tracks. Forces for decelerating and accelerating the scanning carriage are preferably applied along a minor part of a length of movement of the carriage. The carriage is then isolated from forces applied parallel to the track while moving along a major part of its length of movement. As a result, the carriage travels smoothly with approximately uniform speed during it's operative pass, without suffering from vibrations introduced by direct closed-loop feedback control.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for reducing trembling of a limb of a human subject. The method comprises suspending a mass from the limb via a suspension configuration. The suspension configuration having an effective spring constant and/or a non-zero coefficient of damping in at least one direction such that the mass is driven to oscillate in the at least one direction out of phase relative to the trembling motion. A further embodiment includes a motion sensor to sense the motion of the limb, an actuator to generate the damping force, and a control unit that is responsive to the motion sensor and actuator to generate a damping force that alleviates trembling.

Abstract: A emergency information watch contains, in addition to the normal watch functions, a mode whereby rescue information relating to the child elderly, or disabled person is stored for use by a rescuer when the child, elderly, or disabled person is lost. Information contained includes the child, elderly, or disabled person's name age address, telephone, names of parents or guardians, and alternative persons and phone numbers. Also contained in this data are ailments suffered by child, elderly, or disabled person, medications required, and other medical requirements. The rescue information is entered when the watch is placed in a special mode. Once entered, the rescue information is protected by a password, so that unauthorized persons cannot change the information without authorization. A rescuer will have his attention directed to the watch by dramatic rubric on the watch, indicating how to access the rescue information.

Abstract: A rear door assembly for a vehicle includes a rear door surround and a door connected thereto by a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to selectively either retain the door in a closed state relative to the door surround, or to permit opening of the door in a pivoting motion about at least two, and preferably three, hinge axes selected from: a vertical axis adjacent to the right-hand edge; a vertical axis adjacent to the left-hand edge; and a horizontal axis adjacent to the upper edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a variable pitch thread includes a hollow cylindrical element configured to provide a plurality of parallel, radially projecting ridges extending circumferentially around the cylindrical element and spaced apart with a given step as measured parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical element. The cylindrical element also featuring a slit extending substantially parallel to the central axis along the length of the cylinder. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively generate controlled relative displacement between the opposing edges on opposing sides of the slit so as to vary a helical angle of the projecting ridges relative to the central axis. The actuation mechanism is preferably configured to relatively displace the opposing edges such that the plurality of projecting ridges together form alternatively a helical pattern and a pattern of substantially closed rings.

Abstract: A cylinder lock has a plug deployed within a bore in a cylinder housing. The plug defines a keyway which communicates with a number of pin channels. Disposed within the channels are a number of pins which are displaceable along, and rotatable about, their axis. Each pin has an engagement end, proximal to the keyway, formed with at least two engagement features projecting parallel to, but displaced from, the pin's axis, and separated by at least one depression. Each pin is free to rotate through 360° about it axis. The cylinder lock preferably also includes a key for insertion into the keyway. The key has a seat located to come into alignment with a pin, the seat being formed with at least two depressions separated by an intermediate ridge. The configuration of the seat is such that the pin is rotated by contact with the seat to an angularly aligned position in which its engagement features are aligned with the depressions of the seat.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for an injection molding apparatus includes a first platen attached to a base and a second platen slidingly associated with the base. A number of tiebars are mechanically linked to each of the platens through a number of mechanical linkages. An actuation system associated with the plurality of tiebars and with at least one of the platens is configured to generate movement of the second platen relative to the first platen. The mechanical linkage between each of the tiebars and at least one of the platens includes a threaded bushing engaged with a threaded portion of the tiebar. The actuation system is configured to generate relative rotation between each of the tiebars and a corresponding one of the threaded bushings.

Abstract: A hinged and sliding door assembly for vehicles includes a door surround defining an opening, a door configured for mating with the door surround, and a hinge-and-slide mechanism for supporting, and defining movement of, the door relative to the surround. The hinge-and-slide mechanism has an intermediate element connected to the door by a hinge structure which defines an axis of rotation about which the door rotates relative to the intermediate element. A slide mechanism, associated with the intermediate element and the surround, is configured to define a slide path of the intermediate element relative to the surround. The slide mechanism is further configured to support the intermediate element such that this axis maintains a substantially constant orientation relative to the surround, thereby supporting the door.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for an injection molding apparatus features a double-framed platen unit including a fixed platen, a positioning frame and a clamping frame. Both the positioning and clamping frames are rigidly attached to, or integrally formed with, the fixed platen, but they are otherwise generally mechanically independent of each other. A sliding platen is associated with a linear bearing mounted on the positioning frame so as to be slidable relative to the fixed platen. The clamping frame is configured to receive a drive mechanism for exerting force on the sliding platen towards the fixed platen.