Abstract: The subject invention pertains to systems and methods for controlling an end-effector moving in three-dimensional space within long piles or shafts. Systems can include a fixed base platform, a cable-driven working platform, a cable-driven end-effector, a sensing system including draw wire sensors, gyroscopes, sonar sensors, and lidar, a control system in communication with the sensing system, and actuators for cables. The end-effector can be configurable to become a cable-driven parallel end-effector, a serially linked arm, a flexible end-effector or an air-lifting end-tool in cases of cleaning founding layers in bored pile shafts. The control system can be configurable to regulate the lengths of cables through actuators and modulate the positions and orientations of the working platform and the end-effector.

Abstract: An acrylate based photopolymer with high yellowing resistance, excellent photo sensitivity, high toughness, and high glass transition temperature, methods of preparation and used thereof, and solders comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific thermoplastic polyurethane moulding compounds having improved resistance to mechanical stress, especially scratching, and improved resistance to soiling by standard household chemicals and coloured foodstuffs and having very little blocking of electronic and radio signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane composition and use thereof. The thermoplastic polyurethane composition comprises a polyurethane prepared from a polyester polyol and a polyisocyanate as well as an antioxidant. The thermoplastic polyurethane composition of the present invention can be used with other thermoplastic polymers in melt spinning process to prepare bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-invasive method of measuring skin thickness and blood glucose concentration of a subject by a Raman system. The advantage of the present invention is that a single Raman spectrum is used to measure both the skin thickness and glucose concentration. The skin thickness and Raman intensity retrieved from the same Raman spectrum are both utilized to yield a more accurate blood glucose concentration. The present invention also discloses a Raman system for measuring physiological data of a subject. It comprises a Raman spectroscopic unit and a signal processing unit.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory (NVM). During a read operation, a sequence of signal samples is generated representing codewords stored in the NVM. The signal samples are buffered to generate buffered signal samples. The buffered signal samples are processed at a first frequency to detect a data sequence, and a bottleneck condition is detected associated with processing the buffered signal samples at the first frequency. When the bottleneck condition is detected, the buffered signal samples are processed at a second frequency higher than the first frequency to detect the data sequence.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-invasive method of measuring skin thickness and blood glucose concentration of a subject by a Raman system. The advantage of the present invention is that a single Raman spectrum is used to measure both the skin thickness and glucose concentration. The skin thickness and Raman intensity retrieved from the same Raman spectrum are both utilized to yield a more accurate blood glucose concentration. The present invention also discloses a Raman system for measuring physiological data of a subject. It comprises a Raman spectroscopic unit and a signal processing unit.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of data tracks each comprising a plurality of data sectors, and a head actuated over the disk. A first frequency preamble is written to a first data sector of a first data track and a second frequency preamble is written to a second data sector of a second data track, wherein the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the first data track is adjacent to the second data track.

Abstract: A method implemented by a computer allows a user to create an electronic itinerary, parts of which may later be purchased through an electronic reservation system and, at the same time, to find a suitable traveling companion. The method provides compatibility between user itineraries to be determined based upon a classification of activities making up the itineraries. The user may select from compatible itineraries an itinerary and associated subscriber to companion him on a trip. A method is provided for communicating between the user and a selected subscriber to negotiate a shared itinerary.

Abstract: An electric generator for a bicycle comprising, a rotor assembly comprising a plurality of magnets disposed at regular spacings around the circumference of the rotor assembly in alternating polarity, a stator core, comprising steel plates being stacked to form the stator core, each steel plate having a U-shaped grooved cross-section with two oppositely extending magnetically engaging members, a power-generating coil is wound around the U-shaped groove of the steel plates of the stator core, and the magnetically engaging members are positioned to magnetically engage the magnets of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used to automatically post substantially all transactions associated with a transaction account into a general ledger. Recent transaction data associated with the transaction account is received. The recent transaction data is compared (e.g., matched) to stored and categorized transaction data in the general ledger to determine a new transaction data portion of the recent transaction data. The new transaction data portion is categorized. The categorized new transaction data portion is stored in the general ledger.

Abstract: A method of electroplating an object includes providing a electroplating bath solution with one or more anodes therein, disposing an object to be electroplated in the bath, and passing a complex current waveform between the anode nodes and the object. The waveform is a cyclic alternating type having two portions, a positive triangular shaped portion including one or more spikes and a negative portion. The method further includes vibrating the object and/or agitating the bath solution.

Abstract: A novel corer and grinder apparatus suitable for interplanetary travel and extraplanetary operation is disclosed. The corer grinder composes a claw element attached to a shaft coupled to a motor. A second motor compresses a spring forcing against a hammer unit that constitute the majority of the unit's mass. On release the energy stored in the compressed spring converts into momentum of the hammer unit that strikes against the claw element releasing the impact energy directly to the cutting end for cutting. The direction of the energy released is modified by an impact platform to produce a horizontal chipping action to aid cutting. The claw element further comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical claw elements that separate upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, easing collection of core samples. The semi-cylindrical claw elements join upon rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction, thereby grasping the core sample during removal from the material being sampled.

Abstract: A method is presented for enabling single-sign-on functionality with applications that require user/client authentication using form documents. A server-side forms-based single-sign-on (FSSO) module resides between a back-end application and a user. The FSSO module is configured to scan for various incoming requests and outgoing responses that contain information that trigger the FSSO module to initiate a single-sign-on operation or to perform another action with respect to an ongoing single-sign-on operation. At some point in time, a back-end application sends or attempts to send an authentication form to the user in order to obtain authentication information for an authentication operation by the back-end application, and the FSSO module intercepts the back-end application's authentication process to act as an intermediate agent between the user and the back-end application.

Abstract: A novel corer and grinder apparatus suitable for interplanetary travel and extraplanetary operation is disclosed. The corer grinder composes a claw element attached to a shaft coupled to a motor. A second motor compresses a spring forcing against a hammer unit that constitute the majority of the unit's mass. On release the energy stored in the compressed spring converts into momentum of the hammer unit that strikes against the claw element releasing the impact energy directly to the cutting end for cutting. The direction of the energy released is modified by an impact platform to produce a horizontal chipping action to aid cutting. The claw element further comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical claw elements that separate upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, easing collection of core samples. The semi-cylindrical claw elements join upon rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction, thereby grasping the core sample during removal from the material being sampled.

Abstract: It is known to apply a pulse current during electrodeposition of nickel. In the invention, pulse current waveforms have ramp-down spikes leading to improvements in surface finishes of electroforms created by the process.

Abstract: It is known to apply pulse current during electrodeposition of nickel. In the processes described herein, pulse current waveforms have ramp-down spikes leading to improvements in surface finishes of electroforms created by the processes.

Abstract: Electrically conductive polythiophene and its derivatives are prepared by polymerizing compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen, R.sup.3, --OR.sup.3 or --SR.sup.3 ; and R.sup.3 is aryl of 6 to 12 carbons or aliphatic of 1 to 12 carbons; comprising reacting the compound of formula I in the presence of an initiator, the initiator comprising a 2-substituted thiophene nucleus which has a lower oxidation potential than the compound of formula I and which is capable of being incorporated into the polymer resulting from the polymerization reaction; a chemical oxidant or an applied electrochemical potential; and a non-aqueous organic solvent.