Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modulating light using a tunable light modulation device. The tunable light modulation devices comprises an elastomer structure including at least one elastomer layer, a compliant electrode network of conducting fibers arranged on a first surface of the at least one elastomer layer, a patterned electric conductor arranged on a second surface of the at least one elastomer layer opposite the first surface. The patterned electric conductor includes a plurality of individually-addressable sections, and the compliant electrode network is configured to compress the at least one elastomer layer in the presence of an electric field between the compliant electrode network and one or more of the individually-addressable sections of the patterned electric conductor to produce a voltage-dependent roughening of the at least one elastomer layer.

Abstract: The invention refers to a system for assessing the visual appearance of a reflective surface. The system comprises a visual capturing device, adapted to capture at least one image focusing the reflective surface and at least one complementary image focusing a reflection of a test image reflected from the reflective surface. The system further comprises a data processing unit, capable of assessing visual appearance of the reflective surface by deriving objective quality parameters from the one image and the complementary image and by comparing the objective quality parameters with data of a database. The invention further refers to a method of assessing the visual appearance of a reflective surface using the system.

Abstract: A piston machine including: a crankshaft; a cylinder defining an internal chamber; a piston positioned in the chamber, the piston being connected to the crankshaft and being configured to reciprocate inside the chamber; a head attached to the cylinder and closing the chamber at an end opposing the piston. The head includes at least one port group including ports for allowing fluid communication between the chamber and a respective manifold; and for each port group, a valve arrangement coupled to the head, each valve arrangement including, a valve for operatively controlling fluid flow through the respective port and a bridge coupled to the valves, wherein movement of the bridge relative to the head causes synchronised operation of the valves; and, an actuator for causing the bridge to move based on the reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing substantially uniform illumination with multiple, discrete sources of light include arrays of abutting light spreading elements, such as reflective light pipes or collimation lenses, for substantially eliminating visible boundaries between the sources of light. Methods for generating a substantially uniform field of emission include introducing light into such a spreader array. Light therapy devices including arrays of light spreading elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved electronic evaporable substance delivery device delivers nicotine-containing vapor to a user from a smoking device. The smoking device comprises a case having therein a power source, microprocessor, heating element and nicotine-containing cartridge. Microprocessor-controlled heating of the heating element causes air passing thereover to be heated. Passage of the heated air in proximity of the cartridge causes boiling of cartridge contents, and the release of a nicotine-containing vapor. A user may ingest the nicotine-containing vapor via a mouthpiece located at a first end of the case.

Abstract: An illuminated menu book has a menu book having at least one cover. At least one flexible electroluminescent lighting sheet is coupled to the menu book. The electroluminescent lighting sheet will illuminate when excited with a voltage at a set frequency. A lighting circuit is coupled to the electroluminescent lighting sheet and positioned in an interior of the menu book. The lighting circuit is used for controlling illumination of the electroluminescent lighting sheet. A power supply is coupled to the lighting circuit and the electroluminescent lighting sheet for powering the lighting circuit and the electroluminescent lighting sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for imaging an object (4) on the remote side of a barrier (6). The apparatus has source means (2) for scanning the object (4) through the barrier (6) with radiation and mask means (8) having at a least one radiation transparent area wherein the radiation from the source is masked thereby to project on to the object (4) at least one scanning beam of radiation. The apparatus (1) also has detector means (10) for detecting radiation reflected from any scanned point on the object (4) and image generation means for generating an image of the object (4) from the detected radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for imaging an object (4) on the remote side of a barrier (6). The apparatus has source means (2) for scanning the object (4) through the barrier (6) with radiation and mask means (8) having at a least one radiation transparent area wherein the radiation from the source is masked thereby to project on to the object (4) at least one scanning beam of radiation. The apparatus (1) also has detector means (10) for detecting radiation reflected from any scanned point on the object (4) and image generation means for generating an image of the object (4) from the detected radiation.

Abstract: Beads are made from water-soluble monomer or monomer blend by reverse phase bead polymerization by extruding aqueous monomer beads into or onto the top of an upflowing column of non-aqueous liquid and the beads polymerise as they float downwardly through the column during a period of at least ½ minute. The resultant beads can have a very narrow particle size distribution.

Abstract: An automated yarn creeling method and apparatus for the textile industry. Preferably, the present yarn creeling system is used in the carpet tufting industry to automate, ultimately, the intelligent transfer of packages of yarn from the shipping pallets to the bullhorns of a creeler. The apparatus preferably comprises a service arm assembly, a vertical support, a base support, and automated weighing and control systems.