Abstract: An arrangement for improving performance of a sensor operative for collecting light from a target to generate a data signal in a presence of ambient light, includes a sample and hold circuit for operating the sensor during a sampling time period in which the sensor only collects the ambient light to generate an ambient signal, and during a holding time period in which the sensor collects both the ambient light and the light from the target to generate a composite signal comprised of the ambient signal and the data signal; and a subtracting circuit operative for subtracting the ambient signal from the composite signal to produce the data signal as an output.

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase deficiency causes diminished ryanodine receptor S-nitrosylation leading to increased diastolic calcium (Ca2+) and reduced intra sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca2+) content. Compositions for treatment of cardiac failure and cardiac disorders such as arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are described.

Abstract: Red, blue and green lasers respectively emit a plurality of red, blue and green laser beams having respective output powers. The beams are optically focused and collinearly arranged to form a composite beam which is swept by a pair of scan mirrors in a pattern of scan lines on a projection surface, each scan line having a number of pixels. A controller causes selected pixels to be illuminated, and rendered visible, by the composite beam to produce an image. A safety circuit detects a malfunction of at least one of the lasers and the scan mirrors, and deenergizes the at least one of the lasers and the scan mirrors upon detection of the malfunction.

Abstract: In a vacuum unit for use in drawing a vacuum on a steam sterilizer, a pump circulates water through an ejector and a reservoir. Fresh water is injected at the pump inlet to maintain a low temperature in the ejector so that it can operate efficiently. Excess water is taken from a location adjacent the bottom of the reservoir through an internal dip tube, and passed through a U-shaped conduit that serves as a condensate trap. To maintain the water discharge temperature below a predetermined level, fresh water is injected into the U-shaped conduit through a valve controlled by a temperature sensor downstream from the water injection point.

Abstract: In printing apparatus, when printing near the end of a print media with a printhead having nozzles, a controller causes a print drive to produce a large print media advance movement together with the use of a different group of nozzles from that used for the rest of the print media. This avoids printing art effects as the print media leaves a pinch in a media feed. In one embodiment the number of nozzles used for printing in the end region is reduced, and the centre of the group of nozzles is simultaneously shifted in the direction of print media advance. The size of the print media advance is also changed in the end region. The printing mask used is also changed.

Abstract: The aim of this invention consists in modules of parabolic mirrors (1) of 0 to 100 metres of diameter, supported on a solar tank (3) with watery solution of MgC12 (2). This system uses the reflection and refraction of the solar energy to produce other types of energy in a clean manner. Each mirror possesses a mobile system (8), which makes it swing with a solid angle of 30° towards the east and west; it also possesses a tower or shaft (6) of 0 to 100 metres of height. In the top is located a spheroid of graphite (7), covered with zirconium carbide and where the energy is transferred to be conducted by other fluids (water, gas, etc.). Here is located a lens Fresnel, by which is obtained a high concentration of light energy, which is used in obtaining pure silicon by its evaporation. The energy of radiation is used for obtaining electric energy. The conduction of the captivated energy is realized by steel conductions of high resistance through the shaft (6).

Abstract: An arrangement for improving performance of a sensor operative for collecting light from a target to generate a data signal in a presence of ambient light, includes a sample and hold circuit for operating the sensor during a sampling time period in which the sensor only collects the ambient light to generate an ambient signal, and during a holding time period in which the sensor collects both the ambient light and the light from the target to generate a composite signal comprised of the ambient signal and the data signal; and a subtracting circuit operative for subtracting the ambient signal from the composite signal to produce the data signal as an output.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A method for creating a dynamic electronic publication comprises importing one or more data assets into a publication design environment and identifying one or more features associated with one or more of the data assets. Each data asset and any features associated with each data asset are converted to a browser-readable file format and arranged based on a user-defined layout. A browser-compatible file map of the data assets is created based to the user-defined layout. An electronic publication associated with the file map is generated. The electronic publication includes browser-readable code that, when executed by a web-browser, displays the one or more data assets and any features associated with each data asset in accordance with the user-defined layout.

Abstract: Red, blue and green lasers respectively emit a plurality of red, blue and green laser beams having respective output powers. The beams are optically focused and collinearly arranged to form a composite beam which is swept by a pair of scan mirrors in a pattern of scan lines on a projection surface, each scan line having a number of pixels. A controller causes selected pixels to be illuminated, and rendered visible, by the composite beam to produce an image. A safety circuit detects a malfunction of at least one of the lasers and the scan mirrors, and deenergizes the at least one of the lasers and the scan mirrors upon detection of the malfunction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for embodiments of the invention provide improved systems and methods for evaluating electronic advertisements. In one respect, embodiments of the invention provide a more accurate measure of the effectiveness of electronic advertisements under test conditions. In another respect, embodiments of the invention enable more accurate economic valuations of electronic advertisements. In yet another respect, embodiments of the invention provide improved auditing tools that could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic advertisements in the marketplace.

Abstract: A new transcription factor coding gene induced by water deficit or abscisic acid of Helianthus annuus, having a homeodomain associated to a leucine zipper, was characterized. The transcription factor is useful to be cloned in DNA constructions for transforming host cells and plants. The transgenic plants comprising the transcription factor gene are tolerant and resistant to harmful environmental conditions such as water stress and high salinity. A nucleic acid promoting sequence is also provided wherein the sequence is induced by water deficit or abscisic acid. Constructions, host cells and transgenic plants that comprise the transcription factor gene are provided.

Abstract: A device to carry out physical exercise that comprises a double-sided support (1), with one upper and one lower side. one of which is considerably rigid and the other includes an inflatable flexible element (3). The device comprises resting means for the support that allow users to carry out aerobic and cardio exercises and to work on their physical condition in general using the considerably rigid side. The device of the invention is reversible and allows users to work on the areas of aerobic, cardio, balance, proprioception and coordination.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, in which normal printing occurs in a print zone through which a print media is moved by an input feed roller arrangement and an output overdrive roller arrangement, the desired speed of the print media is maintained during bleed printing in the margin of the print media by altering the drive parameters of at least one of the roller arrangements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for charging a power source comprising determining a type of power supply used by a base, communicating a charge rate to a power source charging module and providing power to the power source at a charge rate. In one embodiment, a scanner can recharge from a cradle that receives power from either a dedicated external power source or through USB by adjusting its charge rate based on a communication from the base.

Abstract: In printing apparatus, when printing near the end of a print media with a printhead having nozzles, a controller causes a print drive to produce a large print media advance movement together with the use of a different group of nozzles from that used for the rest of the print media. This avoids printing artefacts as the print media leaves a pinch in a media feed. In one embodiment the number of nozzles used for printing in the end region is reduced, and the center of the group of nozzles is simultaneously shifted in the direction of print media advance. The size of the print media advance is also changed in the end region. The printing mask used is also changed.

Abstract: A method of reducing blockage in a reflector antenna includes disposing a feed mechanism in front of a first reflector and disposing a second reflector in front of the feed mechanism. The second reflector permits energy to pass that would otherwise have been blocked from being received or transmitted by the first reflector. A reflector antenna is also formed in accordance with this method. Another method of reducing blockage in a reflector antenna includes disposing a first feed mechanism in front of a first reflector and disposing a second antenna in front of the first feed mechanism. The first feed mechanism blocks energy from being received or transmitted by the first reflector. The second antenna receives or transmits energy blocked by the first feed mechanism. A reflector antenna is also formed in accordance with this method.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, in which normal printing occurs in a print zone through which a print media is moved by an input feed roller arrangement and an output overdrive roller arrangement, the desired speed of the print media is maintained during bleed printing in the margin of the print media by altering the drive parameters of at least one of the roller arrangements.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code, including an omnidirectional optical code scanner system for illuminating, scanning and decoding at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The scanner system includes an actuator assembly having circuitry for providing for user selection of a mode selected from the group of modes consisting of: an omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading an optical code oriented in any orientation included in the set of multiple orientations, a restricted omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading the optical code when oriented only in an orientation of a reduced set of the set of multiple orientations; and an aim mode for illuminating a target object and disrupting a corresponding read operation; and circuitry for generating a signal indicative of the mode selection.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.