Abstract: A modular radio frequency (RF) device includes N base units, each including a differential segmented array (DSA) tile with a support board and a two-dimensional (2D) array of electrically conductive tapered projections disposed on the support board. Neighboring pairs of the electrically conductive tapered projections form RF pixels. The N DSA tiles are arranged to form an RF aperture. The N base units are programmed to switch the RF aperture between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the N base units are operated as at least two independent subsets with each subset operating as an RF transmitter or receiver independently of the other subsets. In the second operating mode all N base units coherently combine as a single phased array RF transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: A collaborative mobility risk assessment platform may enable multiple parties to participate in the assessment and mitigation of risk facing all forms of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles via machine learning and artificial intelligence. The platform may include interfaces to ingest a plurality of forms of telematics data, driver history data, weather data, insurance data, vehicle history data, traffic data, road condition data as well as any relevant third-party data that may be used to predict the risk of collision, breakdown, or accelerated depreciation of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. The platform may be shared with multiple parties for purposes of collaboration for risk mitigation so as to minimize or eliminate sub-standard performance and/or non-performance with respect to areas including, but not limited to, routes, insurance policies, maintenance, fuel management, and/or asset pricing using cloud-based services.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A counter mechanism includes: a counter housing including a shaft and a hole; a first set of cam teeth located in the hole; a striker located in the hole and configured to move axially with respect to the hole having a second set of cam teeth; a counter wheel hub having a third set of cam teeth configured to communicate with both the first and second set of cam teeth, the counter wheel hub also having an actuator; and a counter wheel having an actuation feature configured to communicate with the actuator to cause the counter wheel to rotate when the counter wheel hub rotates. A method for counting dispensed items may also be described.

Abstract: A counter mechanism includes: a counter housing including a shaft and a hole; a first set of cam teeth located in the hole; a striker located in the hole and configured to move axially with respect to the hole having a second set of cam teeth; a counter wheel hub having a third set of cam teeth configured to communicate with both the first and second set of cam teeth, the counter wheel hub also having an actuator; and a counter wheel having an actuation feature configured to communicate with the actuator to cause the counter wheel to rotate when the counter wheel hub rotates. A method for counting dispensed items may also be described.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing vibratory alerts includes an electronic device having a first housing and configured to provide vibratory alert control signals. The system further includes a vibrating motor disposed within a second housing that is external to the first housing of the electronic device, wherein the second housing is mountable adjacent to or near the body of a user to cause vibratory alerts in response to the vibratory alert control signals, and wherein the second housing includes one of: a clip mounted externally on the first housing of the electronic device and wherein the clip is configured to clip the electronic device adjacent to the body of the user, a holster to hold the electronic device and wherein the holster is configured to hang, clip, or affix the second housing adjacent to or near the body of the user, a wrist band of a bracelet, or a buckle or strap of a belt.

Abstract: A device using a low-cost plastic curved mirror and several combinations of methods for reducing aberrations to improve a real image projection system is provided, so as to reduce ghost and astigmatism phenomenon. The real image projection system includes a curved mirror having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on a convex surface and the other on a concave surface. The real image projection system may include at least a curved reflector positioned in a tilted configuration, and an optical axis of the reflector does not coincide with a viewing axis. A beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through a beamsplitter nor is reflected thereby. The real image projection system may further include a circular polarizer for circularly polarizing a light beam in a primary light path between the mirror and the real image, eliminating ghost image caused by outside light sources.

Abstract: An aerial display system comprising inexpensive optical elements and a highly brightened LCD display or similar video image display types provides floating images in an expensive enclosure. In the aerial display system, either an anti-reflective acrylic plastic layer or a circular polarizer is disposed proximate and parallel to a beam splitter so that the focal point of the floating image is proximate to the plastic layer or polarizer. This image position yields both a wider filed of view and wider perceived field of view. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror of low cost, which includes a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface supported by wall structures of sufficient sphericity, of a plastic material formulation, having excellent optical grade finish, a reflective metal coating, and a protective overcoat.

Abstract: An antenna structure is comprised of a body, an antenna element coupled with the body, and an arm support coupled with the body and the antenna element. The arm support also includes a recessed portion on one side adapted to receive a two-sided customizable plate. The customizable plate is made of a non-metallic material. The customizable plate is further adapted to fit within the recess and can be adhered to the recessed portion of the arm support. The customizable plate can also be graphically customized to display a viewable image. In addition, the customizable plate can be imprinted with a metallized pattern on the side that faces the recessed portion when seated in the arm support. The imprinted metallized pattern can beneficially affect the performance characteristics of the antenna element.

Abstract: An interface card is manufactured with a frame that includes an exposed mounting area on the card extension for receiving a customized cover plate. The cover plate includes customer specific information such as branding information, customer name, logos, trademarks or the like. The cover plate is secured to the card mounting area after manufacture of the card such that the card can be of a generic, non-customer specific design. In one embodiment of the cover plate, the cover plate is formed with a cover that is hinged to the cover plate and can be selectively opened by the end user to reveal elements on the card such as an RF connector.

Abstract: A aerial display system comprising inexpensive optical elements and a high brighted LCD display or similar video image display types provides floating images in an inexpensive enclosure. In the aerial display system, either an anti-reflective acrylic plastic layer or a circular polarizer is disposed proximate and parallel to a beam splitter so that the focal point of the floating image is proximate to the plastic layer or polarizer. This image position yields both a wider field of view and wider perceived field of view.

Abstract: A system and method for selling and/or dispensing consumer products from a vending or transactional-based machine is disclosed. The vending or transactional-based machine comprises an aerial display device that displays an aerial image designed to attract the attention of potential consumers and sell advertising, special promotions or certain products. Once a consumer begins to interact with the vending machine, demographic data is collected or correlated with the product purchased or dispensed. The consumer can initiate and conclude a purchase by merely pointing at the desired product. A mechanism is provided that accepts payment by currency, credit card or electronically.

Abstract: A surgical stapler with a removable staple cartridge, wherein the cartridge is preferably in a disposable form, utilizing a combination of a staple feeding mechanism and a staple forming mechanism secured in a frame and an actuating trigger functionally connected to both the staple feeding mechanism and the staple forming mechanism. Said staple feeding mechanism includes a rail to guide the contained staples from said cartridge into a staple forming position while said staple forming mechanism utilizes a forming tool to lock said cartridge in a handle assembly. This structure provides a reliable and economical surgical stapler in which said cartridge is attached to the handle assembly in a new and novel fashion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose keypad for an electronic apparatus includes a main panel formed of a moldable material and a plurality of functional operators formed integral with the main panel. The functional operators extend through openings in the apparatus housing and are selectively engageable with the apparatus printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated structure facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the keypad components and reduces manufacturing time and costs.