Abstract: A beam director (360) for directing a beam (356, 358) comprises a director base (464), a reflective element (462), a base pivot (474A), an element pivot (470), and a first element fastener (468A). The director base (464) is positioned adjacent to a mounting base (226). A first interface between the director base (464) and the mounting base (226) is in a first interface plane that is orthogonal to a first axis. The base pivot (474A) provides a base pivot axis for selectively rotating the director base (464) and the reflective element (462) relative to the mounting base (226) about the first axis. The element pivot (470) guides the rotation of the reflective element (462) relative to the director base (464) about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. The first element fastener (468A) is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively inhibit rotation of the reflective element (462) relative to the director base (464) about the second axis.

Abstract: A method for detecting an event. A number of video data streams is generated for an environment around a platform. The number of video data streams is received from a video camera system associated with platform. The event is detected at the platform using a sensor system. Information is generated about a location of the event in response to detecting the event. A portion of the number of video data streams is identified by a computer system corresponding to a time and a location of the event using the information about the location of the event. The portion of the number of video data streams is presented by the computer system.

Abstract: A method for renting a textbook from a seller through a rental and purchase exchange system, the method including the steps of: a provider computer monitoring seller sale list prices of textbooks; the provider computer collecting information on a value of the textbook listed for sale by the seller; the provider computer determining if the textbook listed for sale is rentable; if the textbook is rentable, the provider computer determining a rental price for the textbook for a determined period term of time and adding the rental price to the seller sale listing of the textbook; the provider computer determining if the textbook has been rented to a current renter; if the textbook has been rented to a renter, the provider computer sending instructions to the seller to ship the textbook to the current renter directly. A computer system, and computer program product are also discussed.

Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a reclamation device (100) is sectioned into three processing sections: a centralized core section (150), a peripheral filtering section (170), and a base filtering section (190). A series of peripheral conduits (172, 182) are disposed within the peripheral filtering section (170) having an entrance port (174) in communication with an inlet manifold (105) and discharging via an exit port (176) in communication with the base filter (190), a peripheral filtering material (178), or the core filtering section (150). The peripheral conduits (172, 182) can be linear, multi-directional, tapering, and spiraling. The filter is in fluid communication with a series of stacked reclamation members (130, 140). The stacked reclamation members (130, 140) provide processing and/or monitoring of the lubricant via electrical or pneumatic interface.

Abstract: A system for health care financing comprises at least two health care providers, a vendor/operator, an electronic price list, at least one employer having at least one participating employee, at least one deposit account for each of the employees, and at least one high-deductible insurance policy that is available to the participating employees. The electronic price list includes offers from the at least two health care providers, and consumer feedback data regarding past transactions between participating employees and the health care providers having a price listed in the electronic database. The health care providers have authority vary price offers in the price list, and can access the electronic database to vary their price offers. The participating employees can access the price list via the Internet to learn price offers extended by the providers, and to access the consumer feedback data.

Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a reclamation device (100) is sectioned into three processing sections: a centralized core section (150), a peripheral filtering section (170), and a base filtering section (190). A series of peripheral conduits (172, 182) are disposed within the peripheral filtering section (170) having an entrance port (174) in communication with an inlet manifold (105) and discharging via an exit port (176) in communication with the base filter (190), a peripheral filtering material (178), or the core filtering section (150). The peripheral conduits (172, 182) can be linear, multi-directional, tapering, and spiraling. The filter is in fluid communication with a series of stacked reclamation members (130, 140). The stacked reclamation members (130, 140) provide processing and/or monitoring of the lubricant via electrical or pneumatic interface.

Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a moisture absorbent cartridge (140). The cartridge (140) is fabricated placing a Superabsorbant Polymer (SAP) (142) within a boundary of polyester mesh (143). Moisture is extracted from a lubricant or other fluid and absorbed by the SAP. The moisture latent SAP bonds to the polyester mesh (143), potentially turning into a gel. A layer of polypropylene sorbent (144) is placed about the exterior of the boundary material (143), ensuring any moisture remains exterior to the sorbent layer (144). A resin layer can optionally be placed within a fluid flow following the discharge from polypropylene sorbent extracting aerosol from within the lubricant and as a barrier of detrimental ions with an exchange of beneficial ions. The entire cartridge can be placed within an enclosure or pouch body (162). The body (162) is designed to expand, accommodating a resultant increase in SAP volume. The cartridges can be integrated into filters comprising commonly known filtration elements.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a fuel heater. The fuel heater includes a first heat exchanger configured to receive compressed air from a compressor and to transfer heat from the compressed air to feedwater. The fuel heater also includes a second heat exchanger configured to receive heated feedwater from the first heat exchanger and to transfer heat from the heated feedwater to a fuel.

Abstract: A system for health care financing comprises at least two health care providers, a vendor/operator, an electronic price list, at least one employer having at least one participating employee, at least one deposit account for each of the employees, and at least one high-deductible insurance policy that is available to the participating employees. The electronic price list includes offers from the at least two health care providers, and consumer feedback data regarding past transactions between participating employees and the health care providers having a price listed in the electronic database. The health care providers have authority vary price offers in the price list, and can access the electronic database to vary their price offers. The participating employees can access the price list via the Internet to learn price offers extended by the providers, and to access the consumer feedback data.

Abstract: A cannula assembly including a cannula body having a perfusion lumen extending therethrough; a removable introducer to be carried in the perfusion lumen, the removable introducer including a first hole, a second hole and a central lumen extending therebetween to allow fluid entering the first hole to flow through the central lumen and exit the second hole into the perfusion lumen; and a cap member including at least one venting means that allows air displaced by the fluid entering the first hole to be vented from the cannula body.

Abstract: A system for health care financing comprises at least two health care providers, a vendor/operator, an electronic price list, at least one employer having at least one participating employee, at least one deposit account for each of the employees, and at least one high-deductible insurance policy that is available to the participating employees. The electronic price list includes offers from the at least two health care providers, and consumer feedback data regarding past transactions between participating employees and the health care providers having a price listed in the electronic database. The health care providers have authority vary price offers in the price list, and can access the electronic database to vary their price offers. The participating employees can access the price list via the Internet to learn price offers extended by the providers, and to access the consumer feedback data.

Abstract: An aortic cannula tip for reintroducing blood into the blood stream via the aorta. The tip creates a soft flame-shaped flow pattern that reduces the chances of dislodging atheromatous or adherent thromba from the inside surfaces of the aorta. A gentle tapered shape allows the tip to penetrate a small incision made in the aorta without causing undo trauma or risk of tearing. The tip includes a circumferential ridge that allows the tip to be rotated and/or pivoted while in the aorta without breaking a seal formed between the ridge and the aortal wall. A secondary port provides access to a second lumen useable to deploy an intraaortic filtration system.

Abstract: A heated sampling hose assembly includes a sampling hose having an inlet and an outlet for passage of a sample gas. An outer sleeve surrounds the sampling hose with an annular purge gas passage radially therebetween. The outer sleeve is closed at opposite ends by first and second fittings having a purge gas inlet and purge gas outlet, respectively, and a heater is arranged to heat the purge gas in the annular purge gas passage to a temperature of the sample gas.

Abstract: An improved variable speed fan controller for use in devices such as laser printers. The controller automatically adjusts its output signal to fans such that a fan quickly settles into an appropriate operating speed, even if the fan has been newly installed into the equipment. The controller can store values in non-volatile memory, if desired, to keep track of recent changes in the fan's operating parameters and corresponding control signal values. The controller is able to control relatively inexpensive fans that don't necessarily operate at a predictable fan rotating speed under repeatable conditions and control signals, by controlling the fan to an initial or predetermined rotating speed; if the fan isn't running within a suitable range of rotational speeds, then determining whether a fine or coarse adjustment should be made to the fan's rotational speed. The controller makes appropriate adjustments until the fan's rotational speed is within acceptable operating tolerances.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a design using predetermined analysis models are presented. The method may be carried out on an automated design system including an integration server in communication with a plurality of subprocess servers each configured for conducting a subprocess analysis using one of the analysis models. The method comprises receiving at the integration server an analysis request including a set of desired performance parameters and constructing a set of design characteristics for meeting the desired performance parameters. The method further includes determining a set of design performance results associated with the set of design characteristics using the analysis models of the subprocess servers.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a design using predetermined analysis models are presented. The method may be carried out on an automated design system including an integration server in communication with a plurality of subprocess servers each configured for conducting a subprocess analysis using one of the analysis models. The method comprises receiving at the integration server an analysis request including a set of desired performance parameters and constructing a set of design characteristics for meeting the desired performance parameters. The method further includes determining a set of design performance results associated with the set of design characteristics using the analysis models of the subprocess servers.

Abstract: A fabric cover (9, FIG. 2a), which is shrinkable at least in part, for encapsulating at least part of an expandable object such as an automotive airbag (1), the fabric cover being provided with a predetermined region of weakness (13), preferably a catch thread holding the edges of a woven fabric together to form a tubular or flat cover, which region of weakness will rupture when the said object expands by greater than a predetermined amount, e.g. in an automobile accident. The region of weakness (13) and preferably fabric regions (11) immediately adjacent thereto may be of a contrasting color to facilitate alignment of the region of weakness in the direction of expansion of the expandable object.

Abstract: This invention provides a connector assembly for forming electrical connections to at least two circuit boards disposed in a parallel surface-to-surface relationship. The assembly comprises at least two modules, each of which comprises connector elements. A first set of connector elements provides connections between the circuit board and another electrical device, and a second set of connector elements provides connections between the circuit boards. A heat sink may be provided between the circuit boards. Electronic components on the circuit boards may be sealed by means of a gel, which can also serve to transmit heat from the components.