Abstract: Particular embodiments use the segmented bandwidth in downstream channels and upstream channels to manage a narrowcast service for subscribers. Particular embodiments include a channel manager that can process the signal from the headend to down-convert and filter narrowcast services that are sent in one or more of the downstream channels. Also, in the upstream direction, the channel manager can up-convert and stack narrowcast signals for sending to the headend. Further, in one embodiment, the narrowcast service may be provided using visible light communication (e.g., Li-Fi). Using visible light communication may overcome the last connection restrictions described in the background, such as end to end optical connections may be used. Further, using visible light communication may not interfere with other Wi-Fi links in the subscriber premises, such as existing MoCA connections, and may actually enhance the service at the subscriber premises.

Abstract: Ion sensor based on differential measurement comprising an ISFTET-REFET pair wherein the REFET is defined by a structure composed of an ISFET covered by a microreservoir where an internal reference solution is contained. The sensor comprises a first and a second ion-selective field effect transistor, an electrode, a substrate on the surface whereof are integrated the two transistors, connection tracks and the electrode and a structure adhered on the first ion-selective field effect transistor which creates a microreservoir on the gate of said first transistor, with the microreservoir having a microchannel which connects the microreservoir with the exterior and the microreservoir being filled with the reference solution.

Abstract: Ion sensor based on differential measurement comprising an ISFTET-REFET pair wherein the REFET is defined by a structure composed of an ISFET covered by a microreservoir where an internal reference solution is contained. The sensor comprises a first and a second ion-selective field effect transistor, an electrode, a substrate on the surface whereof are integrated the two transistors, connection tracks and the electrode and a structure adhered on the first ion-selective field effect transistor which creates a microreservoir on the gate of said first transistor, with the microreservoir having a microchannel which connects the microreservoir with the exterior and the microreservoir being filled with the reference solution.

Abstract: A footing anchor device enhances lateral stability, base support, and upheaval resistance for a footing. The device includes a base and a cradle. The base has a central section and a plurality of arms extending from the central section. Each of the arms has a bottom wall and a pair of opposed lateral walls extending upwardly from respective side edges of the bottom wall. The cradle is coupled to the base. The cradle is aligned with and extends upwardly from the central section.

Abstract: Particular embodiments use the segmented bandwidth in downstream channels and upstream channels to manage a narrowcast service for subscribers. Particular embodiments include a channel manager that can process the signal from the headend to down-convert and filter narrowcast services that are sent in one or more of the downstream channels. Also, in the upstream direction, the channel manager can up-convert and stack narrowcast signals for sending to the headend. Further, in one embodiment, the narrowcast service may be provided using visible light communication (e.g., Li-Fi). Using visible light communication may overcome the last connection restrictions described in the background, such as end to end optical connections may be used. Further, using visible light communication may not interfere with other Wi-Fi links in the subscriber premises, such as existing MoCA connections, and may actually enhance the service at the subscriber premises.

Abstract: A frame mounted vehicle lift system and method of use are described. The system and method of use are designed to provide a simple, reliable, and safe means for persons operating a motor vehicle to elevate one or more of the vehicle's wheels from the ground for a variety of purposes, such as changing a flat tire, for example. The system comprises one or more frame-mounted vehicle jacks and an automatic spare tire dispenser. Components of the invention are driven by actuators powered by the vehicle's battery and activated by a dashboard or other switch on the vehicle, or remotely by a FOB.

Abstract: Ion sensor based on differential measurement comprising an ISFTET-REFET pair wherein the REFET is defined by a structure composed of an ISFET covered by a microreservoir where an internal reference solution is contained. The sensor comprises a first and a second ion-selective field effect transistor, an electrode, a substrate on the surface whereof are integrated the two transistors, connection tracks and the electrode and a structure adhered on the first ion-selective field effect transistor which creates a microreservoir on the gate of said first transistor, with the microreservoir having a microchannel which connects the microreservoir with the exterior and the microreservoir being filled with the reference solution.

Abstract: A frame mounted vehicle lift system and method of use are described. The system and method of use are designed to provide a simple, reliable, and safe means for persons operating a motor vehicle to elevate one or more of the vehicle's wheels from the ground for a variety of purposes, such as changing a flat tire, for example. The system comprises one or more frame-mounted vehicle jacks and an automatic spare tire dispenser. Components of the invention are driven by actuators powered by the vehicle's battery and activated by a dashboard or other switch on the vehicle, or remotely by a FOB.

Abstract: A highly sensitive impedimetric sensor in which the highly conductive electrodes are separated by a barrier of insulating material is disclosed. The sensor is used to determine directly the presence of analytes in a biological sample of human, veterinary or environmental origin.

Abstract: A diffraction grating coupler which includes an optical waveguide having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the optical waveguide having a grating on one of its surfaces. The diffraction grating coupler further includes an elastic polymer film deposited on and attached to the optical waveguide, the elastic polymer film partially surrounding the optical waveguide and leaving one of the two surfaces of the optical waveguide open, the diffraction grating coupler being mountable on a specimen by attaching the elastic polymer film to the specimen.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide interferometer includes a substrate, a bimodal waveguide having at least one layer deposited on the substrate, and a sensor plate located in a selected area of the upper side of the bimodal waveguide. The bimodal waveguide supports a zero-order and a first-order transverse propagating modes where the transverse propagating modes has different dispersion. The bimodal waveguide is designed for confining light in lateral direction and thus is designed for supporting one lateral mode. The sensor plate is designed for receiving a chemical, biological or physical stimulus. The stimulus changes the effective refractive index of said bimodal waveguide. Chip, sensor and sensing method utilize a planar optical waveguide interferometer are provided.

Abstract: A diffraction grating coupler which includes an optical waveguide having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the optical waveguide having a grating on one of its surfaces. The diffraction grating coupler further includes an elastic polymer film deposited on and attached to the optical waveguide, the elastic polymer film partially surrounding the optical waveguide and leaving one of the two surfaces of the optical waveguide open, the diffraction grating coupler being mountable on a specimen by attaching the elastic polymer film to the specimen.

Abstract: Planar optical waveguide interferometer (15, 25, 35, 45) comprising: a substrate (8, 28, 38, 48); a bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40) comprising at least one layer (1, 2, 3) deposited on said substrate (8, 28, 38, 48), said bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40) being designed for supporting a zero-order and a first-order transverse propagating modes, said transverse propagating modes having different dispersion; a sensor plate (21, 31, 41, 51) located in a selected area of the upper side of said bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40), said sensor plate (21, 31, 41, 51) being designed for receiving a chemical, biological or physical stimulus, said stimulus being capable of changing the effective refractive index of said bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40). The bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40) comprises confining means (9) designed for confining light in lateral direction, the bimodal waveguide (10, 20, 20?, 30, 40) being thus designed for supporting one lateral mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly sensitive impedimetric sensor in which the highly conductive electrodes are separated by a barrier of insulating material. Said sensor is used to determine directly the presence of analytes in a biological sample of human, veterinary or environmental origin.

Abstract: High efficiency silicon radiation detector from ultraviolet to near infrared region, including a structure with a wide spectral range that work at the ultraviolet region, said structure, comprises a silicon photodetector with an excess of silicon 3-10%, and annealing temperature at 1100° C., increasing the wave length range from 200 to 1100 nm.

Abstract: An electroless brass plating method for applying an uniform and thick metallic layer on metallic, ceramic or plastic pieces, which does not depend on the piece geometry nor on its electric characteristics and by which global costs are reduced approximately 50% thanks to the use of a zinc compound as source of zinc atoms, which is less expensive than zinc cyanide.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine including an evaporation chamber adapted to contain a volume of liquid fuel. The evaporation chamber is adapted for communication with an airstream in the internal combustion engine travelling toward a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine so that fuel vapor formed in the evaporation chamber may pass into the combustion chamber by operation of the internal combustion engine. A fuel agitator mounted for motion in the evaporation chamber agitates the liquid fuel to promote vaporization of the fuel and is driven by an actuator mounted for motion in the airstream.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the gaseous reduction of iron ore to sponge iron at a given degree of carburization and yet at a temperature suitable for hot briquetting or for direct feed to a melter or to a refining furnace. The desired percentage of carburization and the preferred elevated temperature are achieved by using a hot blend of recycled reducing gas and essentially uncracked natural gas or methane to carburize and to decrease the temperature of the sponge iron in the modifying zone of the reactor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the gaseous reduction of iron ore to sponge iron at a given degree of carburization and yet at a temperature suitable for hot briquetting or for direct feed to a melter or to a refining furnace. The desired percentage of carburization and the preferred elevated temperature are achieved by using a hot blend of recycled reducing gas and essentially uncracked natural gas or methane to carburize and to decrease the temperature of the sponge iron in the cooling zone of the reactor.