Abstract: A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.

Abstract: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution, non-invasive technique to image subsurface tissue and tissue functions. A broadband light source illuminates an object and the reflected photons are processed using an interferometer, demodulated into inphase and quadrature components and then digitized. The captured data contains information about the velocity of the moving scatterers but current Doppler estimation algorithms have a limited velocity detection range. Using a two dimensional velocity estimation, Doppler OCT (DOCT) can be used for the detection of in vivo aortic blood flow rates of over 1 m/s peak velocity through an esophageal DOCT probe. Previous methods have used a transverse Kasai (TK) autocorrelation estimation to estimate the velocity which is good for slow velocities, such as in the microvasculature. By calculating the Kasai autocorrelation with a lag in the depth or axial direction, backscattered frequency information is obtained which yields high velocity rate information.

Abstract: A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.

Abstract: A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.

Abstract: The event liaison system of the present invention comprises portable event liaison devices as part of an overall system that may communicate via wireless and wired protocols. The system organizes and manages events, providing communication of upcoming events, speaker information, meeting materials, and post event access to information via a personalized microsite. The system enables user interaction and participation for providing the most interactive and efficiently run overall event.

Abstract: A digital notification and response system utilizes an administrator interface to transmit a message from an administrator to user contact devices having an advertising module and a customer module with translation abilities. The system comprises a dynamic information database that includes user contact data, priority information, and response data. The administrator initiates distribution of the message based upon grouping information, priority information, and the priority order. The message is transmitted through at least two industry standard protocols simultaneously to groups of user contact devices based upon priority information. Once the message is received by the user contact device, the user contact device transmits a response through the industry standard protocols back to the dynamic information database.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for generating a certified electronic document that includes receiving identification information associated with a signatory user from a computer. From the same computer, identification information associated with a notary user is also received. At least one electronic document that requires certification is identified on a display. A first user command is received from the computer identifying the assent of the signatory user to the execution of the at least one electronic document. A second user command is received from the computer identifying the assent of the notary user to the certification of the at least one electronic document. Official indicia associated with the notary user is applied to the at least one electronic document to create at least one certified document.

Abstract: A digital notification and response system utilizes an administrator interface to transmit a message from an administrator to a special needs contact device and responders contact devices. The system comprises a dynamic information database that includes member contact data, priority information, response data, and grouping information. The administrator initiates distribution of the message based upon grouping information, priority information, and the priority order. The message is transmitted through at least two industry standard protocols simultaneously to groups of contact devices based upon priority information. Once the message is received by the contact device, the contact device transmits a response through the industry standard protocol back to the dynamic information database.

Abstract: An elevated grade station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: An elevated grad station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: A latching system permits a firing head to be lowered into a wellbore and reliably coupled to a perforating gun previously lowered into the wellbore. In a disclosed embodiment thereof, the latching system includes a tubular collar associated with the firing head, and a stinger associated with the perforating gun. As the firing head approaches the previously lowered perforating gun, shearable studs projecting into the interior of the collar are received in external side surface J-slots formed on the stinger. The latching of the collar studs in the stinger J-slots permits the firing head/perforating gun connection to be verified simply by pulling up on and creating increased tension in the structure, such as a slick line, used to lower the firing head to the perforating gun. After the firing head is used to detonate the perforating gun, the spent firing head may be retrieved by pulling it uphole with sufficient force to shear its collar studs.