Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling servo-actuator for use in mud-pulse telemetry, which determines linear position of a poppet valve therein without counting revolutions of a stepper motor which positions said poppet valve. A sensor senses a magnetic field intensity value, or an inductance value, which is proportional to the position of the poppet valve relative to the sensor. A look-up table of reference outputs corresponding to known position of the poppet valve is used to determine the position of the poppet valve. A method of determining a position of a poppet valve in a mud pulser is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for reducing the thermal load of an internal combustion engine without substantially reducing its power output is described. The method includes adjusting an engine air-fuel ratio responsive to one or more of a charge air over-temperature, a coolant over-temperature and an engine efficiency parameter.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for creating continuous defects or indentations in lobes of a prostate.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method includes connecting over a network to a data storage system, the data storage system storing data objects. A dataflow graph that includes nodes representing data processing components connected by links that represent flows of data access an interface of the data storage system. The interface provides functions for accessing the data objects. At least one of the data processing components performs operations on a received input flow of data that enable the functions provided by the interface to modify one or more stored data objects, and performs operations in response to functions provided by the interface to generate an output flow of data.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a cleaning appliance has filter portion and a rim surrounding the filter portion. The rim is deformable so as to be capable of sealing against a part of an appliance in which the filter assembly is located. The rim is arranged to include a locating member adapted to prevent incorrect orientation of the filter assembly in an appliance housing. The rim is flexible and capable of being manipulated and flexed by a user during a process of locating the filter assembly in an appliance.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a cleaning appliance has a first filter portion surrounded by a deformable rim. The first filter portion consists of a non-woven medium. The filter assembly (also includes a second filter portion located downstream of the first filter portion. The first filter portion and the second filter portion are held directly adjacent one another by means of the deformable rim. The filter assembly further includes a third filter portion located upstream of the first filter portion and consisting of a mesh material. The first filter portion and the third filter portion are held directly adjacent one another by means of the deformable rim. The filter assembly has a tab located on a surface thereof to facilitate removal of the filter assembly from a filter housing or a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for classifying objects moving in a defined range 18 within an operational region is disclosed and claimed. The apparatus finds particular application as a vehicle counter 10. The apparatus is mounted adjacent a road 18 and utilizes a distance-finder 12 to obtain a sequence of distance data relating to a vehicle passing on the road. The distance data and time data are utilised by a signal generator 34 to generate on two-dimensional pattern, wherein one dimension is time and the other is distance, representing the vehicle in the range. A filter filters out data relating to objects falling outside the range, thereby to limit unwanted noise. A neural net 38 classifies the pattern according to one of a plurality of classes, including direction of travel. Counter 40 is used to count vehicles classified as moving in direction A or direction B.