Abstract: A method of estimating non-linearity in a response of an optical detector comprises emitting optical radiation at different intensities. The method includes, at each intensity: amplitude modulating the emitted optical radiation at a modulating frequency to produce amplitude modulated optical radiation; detecting the amplitude modulated optical radiation with the optical detector to produce a detected waveform; and generating a Fourier transform of the detected waveform that includes a fundamental frequency equal to the modulating frequency and harmonics thereof. The method further includes estimating the non-linearity in the response of the optical detector based on a change in an amplitude of a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency relative to an amplitude of the fundamental frequency across the Fourier transforms corresponding to the different intensities.

Abstract: A method includes compressing an air flow to a first pressure, transferring heat from the air flow to a liquefaction fluid via an intercooler heat exchanger, compressing the air flow to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, combusting the air flow and a fuel to generate a combustion product flow, and driving a turbine with the combustion product flow. The turbine is configured to drive machinery of a liquefaction system. The liquefaction fluid includes at least one of a pre-cooling fluid, a refrigerant, and a liquefied product of the liquefaction system.

Abstract: A head restraint system having a rate sensitive device to connect a head restraint to a body of a user. The head restraint system includes a first connector to connect to the head of a user, a second connector connected to the first connector and to a body of the user, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector includes a rate sensitive (RS) device, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to restrain the user's head to the user's body at high speed motion of the user's head relative to the user's body and otherwise not restrain the user's head.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for provisioning a subscription service subscription to a user of a user device, the user device capable of alternatively communicating on a mobile telephone network and on a wireless data network. A request to subscribe the user to the subscription service may comprise a user device identifier and may be received from a mobile service provider system. A message to the user device may be initiated via the mobile telephone network. An access request may be received from the user, via the user device. Upon verifying that the access request was sent by a recipient of the message, the user may be provided with access to the subscription service.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a cage having an interior cavity and a divider that divides the interior cavity into first and second ports. The cage has a front end that is open to the first and second ports, which are configured to receive first and second pluggable modules, respectively, therein through the front end. The divider includes an internal compartment that extends between the first and second ports. The receptacle assembly includes a thermal transfer assembly having a base and a spring. The base is received within the internal compartment of the divider and includes a module side that faces the first port. The spring is operatively connected between the divider and the base such that the spring is configured to bias the base toward the first port and thereby press the module side of the base into thermal communication with the first pluggable module.

Abstract: A flushing system for boat motors that allows for single-handed manipulation to remotely position flushing ears onto the intake vents of an outboard boat motor. A water passage tube provides a source of fresh water when flushing or performing maintenance on the motor of a boat stored on a lift. The flushing ears are positioned on the intake valves and are adjusted to form a seal by a gripping handle. A locking device prevents movement of the ears while flushing the motor and can be released to remove the ears once the flushing is complete.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and method, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus (10) comprising a tank (12) for in use receiving a cleaning liquid and for receiving an item to be cleaned in a cleaning region (16) thereof, a transducer (21) arranged, when driven, to direct ultrasonic pressure waves into cleaning liquid received in the tank (12) and a controller (30) arranged in use to drive the transducer (21), a gas introducer (40) arranged to in use provide a supply of gas into cleaning liquid in the tank so that macroscopic bubbles of gas are produced wherein the gas introducer (40) provides a plurality of bubble sources distributed below the cleaning region of the tank. The apparatus further comprises an assembly arranged in use to enable movement of the item to be cleaned in the cleaning region.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a coalescer cartridge for separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes a pleated filter media portion including a pleated fluid separation layer configured to separate a first fluid from a second fluid, the first fluid forming relatively small droplets of fluid suspended in the second fluid; and a wrap filter media portion downstream of the pleated media portion including a droplet growth layer configured to coalesce the relatively small droplets of the first fluid into relatively larger droplets of the first fluid.

Abstract: A boat motor flushing system that allows for single handed manipulation when remotely positioning the flushing ears providing a source of fresh water when flushing or performing maintenance on the motor of a boat stored on a lift. The system is comprised of a water passage tube, a locking rod, flushing ears, gripping handle and locking assembly.

Abstract: A boat motor flushing system that allows for single handed manipulation when remotely positioning the flushing ears providing a source of fresh water when flushing or performing maintenance on the motor of a boat stored on a lift. The system is comprised of a water passage tube, a locking rod, flushing ears, gripping handle and locking assembly.

Abstract: A system of linear equations is used to upmix a number N of audio signals to generate a larger number M of audio signals that are psychoacoustically decorrelated with respect to one another and that can be used to improve the representation of a diffuse sound field. The linear equations are defined by a matrix that specifies a set of vectors in an M dimensional space that are substantially orthogonal to each other. Methods for deriving the system of linear equations are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus comprising: a tank for in use receiving a cleaning liquid and an item to be cleaned; a plurality of transducers arranged, when driven, to direct ultrasonic pressure waves into the tank; and a controller arranged in use to drive the transducers. First and second transducers from the plurality of transducers are arranged in use to direct ultrasonic pressure waves into an overlapping volume; and the controller is arranged in use to drive the first and second transducers to produce ultrasonic pressure waves at different frequencies from each other. The controller is arranged to in use produce first and second drive signals for the transducers using first and second frequency generators to each switch between primary and secondary operation, with the sequential switching taking place to cause different combinations of primary and secondary operation for the first and second frequency generators to occur over time.

Abstract: A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings and mounting blocks proximate the openings. A cable rack is coupled to a rear of the backplane that includes a tray, spacers coupled to the tray and cable connector assemblies held by corresponding spacers. Each cable connector assembly has a plurality of cables extending between cable connectors. The cable connectors are received in corresponding openings and held in position relative to the backplane by the spacers. Locking assemblies are held by the tray and have a latch proximate to a front edge of the tray configured to interact with a corresponding one of the mounting blocks to lockably couple the tray to the backplane. The locking assemblies each have an actuator at a rear of the tray that is actuated by an installer to lock and unlock the latch with the mounting block.

Abstract: A method can include a patient presenting insurance information to a medical office where he or she is to receive medical care, the medical office confirming a reason for the patient's visit, and the system sending initial patient information directly to the patient's insurance company or to a clearinghouse. The method can further include the insurance company or clearinghouse replying with anticipated remittance advice including an estimate and the medical office presenting the estimate to the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for provisioning a subscription service subscription to a user of a user device, the user device capable of alternatively communicating on a mobile telephone network and on a wireless data network. A request to subscribe the user to the subscription service may comprise a user device identifier and may be received from a mobile service provider system. A message to the user device may be initiated via the mobile telephone network. An access request may be received from the user, via the user device. Upon verifying that the access request was sent by a recipient of the message, the user may be provided with access to the subscription service.

Abstract: A tree trimming cluster of circular saws form part of an assembly on the hydraulic arm of a tractor and the assembly is adjustable hydraulically to allow the assembly to sweep from side to side, to incline in relation to the ground and to rotate with a wrist like action. In addition the whole assembly can rotate about a horizontal axis on the hydraulic arm giving an extra degree of adjustment. The hydraulic arm extends from a jib located behind the tractor driver and is capable of slewing. A variety of 4 m cuts are available which is useful for firebreak creation and powerline protection.

Abstract: There are disclosed impedance matching networks and technique for impedance matching to microwave power transistors. Distributed capacitor inductor networks are used so as to provide a high degree of control and accuracy, especially in terms of inductance values, in comparison to existing lumped capacitor arrangements. The use of bond wires is reduced, with inductance being provided primarily by microstrip transmission lines on the capacitors.

Abstract: A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings and mounting blocks proximate the openings. A cable rack is coupled to a rear of the backplane that includes a tray, spacers coupled to the tray and cable connector assemblies held by corresponding spacers. Each cable connector assembly has a plurality of cables extending between cable connectors. The cable connectors are received in corresponding openings and held in position relative to the backplane by the spacers. Locking assemblies are held by the tray and have a latch proximate to a front edge of the tray configured to interact with a corresponding one of the mounting blocks to lockably couple the tray to the backplane. The locking assemblies each have an actuator at a rear of the tray that is actuated by an installer to lock and unlock the latch with the mounting block.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a cage having an interior cavity and a divider that divides the interior cavity into first and second ports. The cage has a front end that is open to the first and second ports, which are configured to receive first and second pluggable modules, respectively, therein through the front end. The divider includes an internal compartment that extends between the first and second ports. The receptacle assembly includes a thermal transfer assembly having a base and a spring. The base is received within the internal compartment of the divider and includes a module side that faces the first port. The spring is operatively connected between the divider and the base such that the spring is configured to bias the base toward the first port and thereby press the module side of the base into thermal communication with the first pluggable module.

Abstract: An installation to assist in water usage of rainwater which has a number of take-offs positioned along a curb alongside a road where these are separately connected to respective inground chambers filled with particulate material to encourage root access from trees in the vicinity.