Abstract: A sump arrangement for use with an aquarium. The sump arrangement including a dedicated skimmer area that maintains a constant water level to increase operational efficiencies of protein skimmers. The sump arrangement further including a sump tank having an elongated water flow pathway that aspirates air bubbles and improves the clarity of filtered water returning to the aquarium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and analyzing spectral polarimetric images are disclosed. Spectral polarimetric images are detected by selecting spectral bands of light within light received from a light source and capturing polarimetric images of the selected spectral bands of light. Spectral polarimetric images are analyzed by converting spectral polarimetric images to Stokes images and selecting two or more of the Stokes images for analysis.

Abstract: A filter cartridge including a filtering body having first and second porous filter walls. The second porous filter wall having a density that is different than the first porous filter wall. The density of the second porous filter wall being defined by interstitial spaces. The filter cartridge further including discrete chemically filtering particles that are captured within the interstitial spaces of the second porous filter wall when the filtering body is in a vertical filtering orientation.

Abstract: A portable autonomous terminal guidance system can be located in an aircraft landing zone. The terminal guidance system generates a signal indicative of the position, the terrain, and the meteorological conditions where the guidance system is located. A receiving aircraft may process the signal produced by the terminal guidance system to generate a self-contained GPS obstacle-avoidance approach path for the aircraft to the landing zone.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtration of a primary fluid, the filter arrangement having a filtration region and a bypass region. The bypass region is a sealed region containing a secondary fluid having a specific gravity different than a specific gravity of the primary fluid. The bypass region providing a bypass pathway for flow of the primary fluid during extended use of a clogged filter cartridge.

Abstract: An imaging system having a programmable spectral transmission function, that includes an input image plane for passing input imaging light into the imaging system; a dispersive optical system for separating the input imaging light into its corresponding spectral components, thus creating spectrally-dispersed image components along a spectrally-dispersed direction. Also included is a spatial light modulator, having a plurality of operational states, for selecting spectral components for imaging; and having a width along the spectrally-dispersed direction; a de-dispersive optical system for re-combining the selected spectral components for imaging onto a detector array; and means for scanning the input imaging light from an object of interest to generate an output area image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has input optics for obtaining a multispectral image bearing light and a programmable spectral switching section. The programmable spectral switching section has a first lens for directing light toward a dichroic separator that separates the multispectral image bearing light into a plurality of discrete spectral bands, each directed to an optical switch. Each optical switch is selectively enabled to redirect its corresponding spectral band back through the first lens as switched spectral band light. A light path selector element directs switched spectral band light toward an image forming section that has a sensor lens for directing switched spectral band light toward an image sensor. The image sensor forms image data according switched spectral band light from each optical switch. A control logic processor communicates with optical switches and with the sensor, providing instructions for enablement of optical switches and obtaining sensor data.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtration of a primary fluid, the filter arrangement having a filtration region and a bypass region. The bypass region is a sealed region containing a secondary fluid having a specific gravity different than a specific gravity of the primary fluid. The bypass region providing a bypass pathway for flow of the primary fluid during extended use of a clogged filter cartridge.

Abstract: An impeller, and impeller and rotor assembly, for use with a permanent magnet motor that provide uni-directional rotation. The impeller and rotor assembly includes an interconnecting arrangement and a locking arrangement that permit continuous rotation in a first direction and prevent continuous rotation in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: An impeller, and impeller and rotor assembly, for use with a permanent magnet motor that provide uni-directional rotation. The impeller and rotor assembly includes an interconnecting arrangement and a locking arrangement that permit continuous rotation in a first direction and prevent continuous rotation in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a user to access content data over a network by retrieving information from a provider via the network. A determination is made whether the content data requires payment of a fee by the user. If the content data requires a fee, a determination is made whether payment for the content data has been pre-approved by user-defined parameters. If the fee has been pre-approved by the user, the user incurs a charge for the content data. The content data is displayed to the user and the fees are accumulated by a third party provider. The third party provides pays the content provider the amount of the accumulated fees and the user makes payment to the third party provider. The method and system is also used to provide payment of royalties for content retrieved from a network and to purchase items advertised over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An automated method for analyzing the photometric calibration and image quality performance characteristics of a high resolution storage phosphor reader. A custom fabricated, lead mask test target is secured to a storage phosphor and exposed using a standard medical x-ray source. A storage phosphor reader, to be calibrated, reads the exposed storage phosphor to produce a digital x-ray image. The digital x-ray image is analyzed by means of a computer algorithm which presents analytic results in text and graphical form to isolate reader problems and to quantify calibration status of the reader.

Abstract: A slip joint for use in a well string and having a removable torque transmitting key. The slip joint includes an outer female mandrel having a central opening therethrough in which is slidingly positioned a male mandrel, also defining a central opening therethrough. In one embodiment, the male mandrel defines at least one longitudinal slot therein and the female mandrel defines a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the slot. The torque transmitting key is positioned in the transverse opening and extends into the slot. In the second embodiment, the inner mandrel includes a flat surface thereon and the outer mandrel has a longitudinal slot therein adjacent the flat surface. The key includes a ring portion having a flat surface therein engageable with a flat surface on the male mandrel and a lug portion extending from the ring portion into the slot.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive downhole tool includes a housing with an operating element disposed in the housing. The operating element is movable from a first element position to a second element position relative to the housing. A hydrostatic well annulus pressure referenced annulus pressure responsive first power piston is disposed in the housing and movable from a first to a second position thereof relative to the housing in response to an increase in well annulus pressure. A lower than hydrostatic well annulus pressure referenced annulus pressure responsive second power piston is disposed in the housing and is operatively associated with the operating element for permitting the operating element to move from its first element position to its second element position in response to movement of the second power piston from a first position to a second position thereof relative to the housing.