Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an Al—Ce—Ni alloy for use in additive manufacturing. The disclosed alloy embodiments provide fabricated objects, such as bulk components, comprising a heterogeneous microstructure and having good mechanical properties even when exposed to conditions used during the additive manufacturing process. Methods for making and using alloy embodiments also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: Scanner apparatus having a visual scan-region position feedback system according to the present invention may comprise a body having at least one elongate opening therein that extends along a transverse axis so that the elongate opening encompasses a scan region on an object during a scanning operation. An image sensing system mounted within the body of the scanner is optically coupled to the elongate opening therein and receives image light reflected by the scan region. A first light source mounted to the body produces a first light beam that is generally aligned with the elongate opening in the body and that extends outwardly from the body in a first direction along the transverse axis. The first light beam is incident on at least a portion of the object being scanned during the scanning operation and provides a visual indication of a position of the scan region with respect to the object being scanned.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A hand held electronic scanning device that preferably has a front surface provided with abutments so that, when the front surface is laid on a supporting surface, operating buttons on the front surface will not contact the supporting surface and a transparent member covering a display window opening will also not contact the support surface to avoid scuffing thereof.

Abstract: A humidification chamber for a respiratory humidifier water is maintained by the use of floats which actuate valves to control the passage of water through a water inlet. Two floats are each provided with actuating mechanisms to separately control the respective valve members. The separate valve members are covered by an elastomeric moulding which couples the valve members and provides a seal. The valves are co-axially aligned and the system provides improved safety by allowing for reliable operation in the case where one of the floats fails. An alternative embodiment of the dual valve construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: An epoxy/aluminum sandwich is used to mount a glass lens rigidly within a stainless steel cell without subjecting the glass lens to stresses caused by differences between the temperature coefficients of expansion of the glass lens and the stainless steel cell.