Abstract: A system for testing a patient's taste recognition and sensitivity. The system includes a sample selector for dispensing taste test samples to the patient, and a test controller configured to determine which taste test sample to dispense to the patient. The test controller is arranged to receive taste test results from the patient associated with the dispensed taste test samples, and determine on the fly which taste test sample to dispense next, based on the received taste test results. Once a plurality of taste test samples have been dispensed to the patient in this manner, the test controller may then determine a taste sensitivity (e.g. threshold) for the patient based on the received taste test results.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for humidifying a breathing gas are presented. The system includes a base unit, a vapor transfer unit, a nasal cannula, and a liquid container. The base unit includes a blower. The vapor transfer unit is external to the base unit and includes a gas passage, a liquid passage, a gas outlet, and a membrane separating the gas passage and the liquid passage. The membrane permits transfer of vapor into the gas passage from liquid in the liquid passage. The nasal cannula is coupled to the gas outlet. The liquid container is configured to reversibly mate with the base unit.

Abstract: A distributed network system includes a back office server and a population of one or more host systems, e.g., vehicles. A first telematics network of the back office server includes a remote calibration tool. Each host system includes a second telematics network having an electronic control unit (ECU) operable for communicating with the back office server. The host systems also include one or more devices controlled by corresponding software code. The back office server is configured, in response to a configuration signal, to transmit an over-the-air (OTA) software update to a predetermined one or more of the host systems. The ECU is configured, in response to the OTA software update, to selectively mask or unmask a software partition of the corresponding software code to respectively disable or enable a function of the one or more devices.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating and modulating the power of a laser beam to be transmitted in an optical communication fiber. The apparatus includes a laser source and an electro-absorption modulator located on a common insulating or semi-insulating substrate. The laser source generates the laser beam. A high-frequency electrical signal encodes data to be transmitted by the modulated laser beam. The modulator is differentially driven by the electrical signal, which is terminated on the common substrate to minimize cross talk with other data channels. Traveling-wave electrodes connecting segments of the modulator and a termination network maintain electrical signal integrity and minimize losses.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating and modulating the power of a laser beam to be transmitted in an optical communication fiber. The apparatus includes a laser source and an electro-absorption modulator located on a common insulating or semi-insulating substrate. The laser source generates the laser beam. A high-frequency electrical signal encodes data to be transmitted by the modulated laser beam. The modulator is differentially driven by the electrical signal, which is terminated on the common substrate to minimize cross talk with other data channels. Traveling-wave electrodes connecting segments of the modulator and a termination network maintain electrical signal integrity and minimize losses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the purification of the compound of Formula (I) from the precipitated reaction product comprising the compound of Formula (I), impurities, and/or residual or entrained solvents.

Abstract: An actuator (1) comprising a motor (2) assembly, a drive coupling (113, 13, 313) assembly and an actuator shaft (114, 14). The motor (2) assembly comprising a motor housing (120, 20), having a cover (122, 22) and a base (123, 23); an electric motor (111, 11, 211, 2), comprising an external stator (111, 11, 211) and an internal rotor (112, 22); and a hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) that is connected co-axially with the internal rotor (112, 12) such that rotation of the internal rotor (112, 12) causes a corresponding rotation of the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330). The driving coupling (113, 13, 313) assembly comprises a drive coupling housing (115, 15, 315) containing a drive coupling (113, 13, 313), wherein the drive coupling (113, 13, 313) engages the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) such that rotation of the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) causes a corresponding rotation of the drive coupling (113, 13, 313).

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid power unit includes receiving a target total thrust value that is converted into a target speed for a propeller. The target speed is transmitted to a motor speed controller. A sensor value for a current speed for the propeller is received at the motor speed controller. The motor speed controller generates a signal to a primary electric motor to selectively output torque to a rotor and regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target speed. A module current set point based at least in part on a state of charge of a battery is received. A throttle set point is determined based in part on the target speed and the module current set point. A throttle set point of an internal-combustion engine of the hybrid power unit is adjusted based at least in part on the target speed and the module current set point.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for preparing a compound comprising Formula (I).

Abstract: This disclosure includes a manhole cover locking device, system, and kit, each configured for locking a manhole cover in a closed position overtop an access opening of a container, the access opening being arranged at one end of a collar extending outwardly from the container, each comprising: a body; a mechanism for connecting the body to a pre-existing portion of the manhole collar or the container; and, a mechanism for securing the body to the manhole cover to prevent the opening of the manhole cover using a pre-existing portion of the manhole cover. Each mechanism may be tamper resistant. The disclosure also includes methods of installing and using the device, system, and kit.

Abstract: An electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is configured to include an on-chip AC ground plane that is used to terminate the high frequency RF input signal within the chip itself. This on-chip ground termination of the modulation input signal improves the frequency response of the EAM, which is an important feature when the EAM needs to support data rates in excess of 50 Gbd. By virtue of using an on-chip ground for the very high frequency signal content, it is possible to use less expensive off-chip components to address the lower frequency range of the data signal (i.e., for frequencies less than about 1 GHz).

Abstract: A spot-size converter includes first and second waveguide structures. The first waveguide structure extends longitudinally along a waveguide axis from a first end to a second end and is configured to support a first optical mode at the first end. The second waveguide structure is formed within the first waveguide structure. The second waveguide structure extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The second waveguide structure is configured to support a second optical mode at the second end. The second optical mode has a different diameter than the first optical mode. The second waveguide structure includes a waveguide core that has a first cross-sectional area in a first plane normal to the waveguide axis at the first end and a second cross-sectional area in a second plane normal to the waveguide axis at the second end. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a disengagement mechanism interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an cooling shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a cooling shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the cooling shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

Abstract: One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a clutch interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an engine shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the engine shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

Abstract: An operating theatre light comprising at least one environmental sensor. The operating theatre light includes a sensor housing attached to the operating theatre light. The sensor housing defines an enclosure containing the at least one environmental sensor. The sensor housing is protected (e.g. sealed) against the ingress of liquid to the enclosure. The operating theatre light may have a transmitter or transceiver or wired connection for transmitting environmental sensor data produced by the at least one environmental sensor. An operating theatre system comprising the operating theatre light and a control panel comprising a receiver or transceiver configured to receive environmental sensor data transmitted by the operating theatre light.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to providing breathing gas to a patient using a base unit and an auxiliary unit configured to be removably disposed on or at least partially in the base unit. The base unit has several couplings for improved control and sensing of the auxiliary unit and its components, wherein the couplings are configured to be non-contact with the corresponding components of the auxiliary unit and/or otherwise configured to minimize operational defects or improve efficiency. Non-contact couplings include induction heating, capacitive level sensing, a magnetically coupled rotor pump, RFID tag and reader, and Hall effect sensing. The breathing gas can be provided at high velocities by setting breathing gas flowrates based on dimensions of a nasal cannula used to direct the breathing gas into a patient's nares.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to providing breathing gas at a high velocity to a patient using a base unit and an auxiliary unit configured to be removably disposed on or at least partially in the base unit. The base unit has several couplings for improved control and sensing of the auxiliary unit and its components, wherein the couplings are configured to be non-contact with the corresponding components of the auxiliary unit and/or otherwise configured to minimize operational defects or improve efficiency. Non-contact couplings include induction heating, capacitive level sensing, a magnetically coupled rotor pump. RFID tag and reader, and Hall effect sensing. The breathing gas can be provided at high velocities by setting breathing gas flowrates based on dimensions of a nasal cannula used to direct the breathing gas into a patient's nares.

Abstract: A spot-size converter includes first and second waveguide structures. The first waveguide structure extends longitudinally along a waveguide axis from a first end to a second end and is configured to support a first optical mode at the first end. The second waveguide structure is formed within the first waveguide structure. The second waveguide structure extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The second waveguide structure is configured to support a second optical mode at the second end. The second optical mode has a different diameter than the first optical mode. The second waveguide structure includes a waveguide core that has a first cross-sectional area in a first plane normal to the waveguide axis at the first end and a second cross-sectional area in a second plane normal to the waveguide axis at the second end. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is configured to include an on-chip AC ground plane that is used to terminate the high frequency RF input signal within the chip itself. This on-chip ground termination of the modulation input signal improves the frequency response of the EAM, which is an important feature when the EAM needs to support data rates in excess of 50 Gbd. By virtue of using an on-chip ground for the very high frequency signal content, it is possible to use less expensive off-chip components to address the lower frequency range of the data signal (i.e., for frequencies less than about 1 GHz).

Abstract: Multiple subterranean probes at an area of land detect soil conditions and wirelessly transmit soil condition information to a service provider's backend server or to a technician's hand-held wireless device. The server provides multiple user interface screens of a customer application that display soil condition information and irrigation system status. Local micro weather stations may determine and wirelessly transmit weather condition information to the server. An energy emission detecting appliance may be used to acquire information usable to determine fluorescence of grass. The determined fluorescence may be used to train a learning model. The learning trained model may use historical soil condition and fluorescence information to determine a stress level corresponding to the grass. The stress level may be used to modify an irrigation or fertilization schedule.