Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for creating a product package for a user using that take into account both static and dynamic loyalty criteria. The present invention is particularly adapted to utilization by sectors such as the agricultural industry where real time updates along a supply chain would be beneficial to suppliers and distributors.

Abstract: There is described a method of balancing a multi-cell battery. An alignment distance for each cell of the multi-cell battery is determined. The alignment distance defines a change in charge quantity required to achieve a target alignment point, based on a current charge quantity of the cell. Based on the determined alignment distances, one or more unbalanced cells are identified. Each unbalanced cell is then balanced by adjusting its current charge quantity according to the alignment distances. In one embodiment, the target alignment point is a target state of charge. In another embodiment, the target alignment point is a target charge quantity.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable building adaptable between a first normal configuration and a second wind-resistant configuration by relative movement of at least two space enclosing elements of the building provides readily assembled, cost-effective but robust shelters to disaster zones capable of withstanding severe weather events such as hurricanes.

Abstract: A system maps a user's interaction with a game controller to predefined hand positions that can be used in gaming and multimedia applications. A game controller with sensors receives user input with capacitive sensors and generates sensor outputs. A controller modeling module receives the sensor outputs and trains a model based on the outputs. The trained kinematic model maps the sensor outputs to one or more of a plurality of predefined hand positions. When an application requests the status of a user's hand position, e.g., through an API, the mapped hand position is sent to the application.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the separation of a paramagnetic component from a mixture using a mechanical membrane apparatus. The mechanical membrane comprises a supporting material having a plurality of pores where each pore is surrounded by a plurality of magnetic regions. The magnetic regions augment a magnetic field on one side of the supporting material while mitigating the field to near zero on the opposite side. In operation, a flow of fluid such as air comprising a paramagnetic component such as O2 is directed toward the mechanical membrane, and the paramagnetic component is typically attracted toward a magnetic field surrounding a pore while dimagnetic components such as N2 are generally repelled. As some portion of the fluid passes through the plurality of magnetic apertures to the opposite side of the mechanical membrane, the mechanical membrane generates a fluid enriched in the paramagnetic component.

Abstract: A frontal structure for a motor vehicle includes a deployable air dam movable from a stowed position to one or more deployed positions., wherein the. The frontal structure is configured such that when a collision event is detected, predicted or anticipated, the deployable air dam is deployed into a first deployed position in which an edge of the deployable air dam forms the lowest point of the frontal structure and the edge also extends to a point of the frontal structure that is at least as far forward as any other part of the frontal structure of the vehicle in the same vertical plane.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable building adaptable between a first normal configuration and a second wind-resistant configuration by relative movement of at least two space enclosing elements of the building provides readily assembled, cost-effective but robust shelters to disaster zones capable of withstanding severe weather events such as hurricanes

Abstract: A non-linear optical device includes a frequency-conversion waveguide and first and second input waveguides. The longitudinal axes of the input waveguides are inclined to that of the frequency-conversion waveguide such a first transverse mode is excited in the latter at the input frequency in operation of the device. The frequency-conversion waveguide supports a second transverse mode at an output frequency of the device, such that the phase velocity of the second transverse mode at the output frequency is substantially equal to that of the first transverse mode at the input frequency, thus providing phase-matching by balancing the effects of chromatic and modal dispersion.

Abstract: A door actuation mechanism for a sliding door of a motor vehicle is disclosed as having a motor driven door actuator connected to first and second actuation cables used for opening and closing the door. Both of the actuation cables has a portion extending away from the door actuator in a direction in which the respective cable moves the door.

Abstract: A door actuation mechanism for a sliding door of a motor vehicle is disclosed as having a motor driven door actuator connected to first and second actuation cables used for opening and closing the door. Both of the actuation cables has a portion extending away from the door actuator in a direction in which the respective cable moves the door.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an optical fiber laser having at least two laser cores and means arranged to combine laser output from the at least two laser cores at a first end of the optical fiber laser to produce a combined laser output having one or more beat signals.

Abstract: A non-linear optical device includes a frequency-conversion waveguide and first and second input waveguides. The longitudinal axes of the input waveguides are inclined to that of the frequency-conversion waveguide such a first transverse mode is excited in the latter at the input frequency in operation of the device. The frequency-conversion waveguide supports a second transverse mode at an output frequency of the device, such that the phase velocity of the second transverse mode at the output frequency is substantially equal to that of the first transverse mode at the input frequency, thus providing phase-matching by balancing the effects of chromatic and modal dispersion.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an optical fibre laser having at least two laser cores and means arranged to combine laser output from the at least two laser cores at a first end of the optical fibre laser to produce a combined laser output having one or more beat signals.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for separation of nucleic acids from waste materials in a biological sample, and then reacting the separated nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the methods comprise mixing a cell lysate having nucleic acids and waste materials with a waste-binding matrix to capture the cellular waste materials from the lysate. The waste-binding matrix can comprise hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic size-exclusion, ion-exchange particles. In some embodiments, the device comprises a substrate comprising a fluid processing pathway in which nucleic acid sample preparation occurs prior to a downstream genotyping reaction.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for separation of nucleic acids from waste materials in a biological sample, and then reacting the separated nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the methods comprise mixing a cell lysate having nucleic acids and waste materials with a waste-binding matrix to capture the cellular waste materials from the lysate. The waste-binding matrix can comprise hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic size-exclusion, ion-exchange particles. In some embodiments, the device comprises a substrate comprising a fluid processing pathway in which nucleic acid sample preparation occurs prior to a downstream genotyping reaction.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contact is provided having contact beams which are asymmetrically opposed, defining a terminal receiving section therebetween. Asymmetrically opposed contact beams may have various widths to provide an appropriate spring force for a selected plating material, while ensuring that the receptacle contact maintains the same overall dimensional shape as contacts made with a different plating material. Although allowing for variable spring rate in limited dimensioned contact, susceptibility of fracture of the contact of the present invention during forming is minimized.

Abstract: A computer network wall outlet device adapted to be mounted in an apertured wall plate includes a face plate member and a body member which are releasably interconnected to one another. The face plate member, releasably mounted to an aperture in the wall plate, includes a socket aperture aligned with a socket of the body member, the socket having an array of electrical contacts. The body member also retains a printed circuit board having a plurality of electric connections for conductors of a network cable. The device permits maintenance of the printed circuit board without requiring disconnection of the outlet device from the network due to the releasable interconnection of the face plate member. Preferably, the socket and the electrical connections are on the same side of the printed circuit board. Moreover, the device further includes IDC connectors and a ground strap carried by the circuit board for connection to a shield of the cable. The device members may be formed from a metal plated plastic.

Abstract: Method of mounting a brake rotor to a wheel hub, the mounting establishing a sealed but removable fixed bearing therebetween; it comprises the steps of: (a) forming mating metallic mounting surfaces on the respective rotor and hub that at least in part extend in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the hub (for example, within a tolerance .+-.0.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for mounting an electrical component, such as a radio, on a panel. The connector assembly permits blind mating of a radio in a dash. A header on the radio is mated to a plug connector on a wiring harness. The plug connector is mounted on a mounting member on a panel. When the component is inserted through an opening, such as an opening in an automobile dash, the plug connector can shift into alignment with a header on the component. Ramps on the header and on the plug connector cam the mating connectors into alignment permitting movement in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. Alignment and movement in the mating direction is permitted by springs holding the plug connector on the housing. Metal springs exerting a mating force when deflected can be use. Alternatively molded cantilever latches can be deflected. The mated connectors can still move in the axial direction after mating.