Abstract: A flight control apparatus for fixed-wing aircraft includes a first port wing and first starboard wing, a first port swash plate coupled between a first port rotor and first port electric motor, the first port electric motor coupled to the first port wing, and a first starboard swash plate coupled between a first starboard rotor and first starboard electric motor, the first starboard electric motor coupled to the first starboard wing.

Abstract: A system for reducing jitter in a motion control system which includes at least one drive device programmed or configured to receive data associated with a time base of a controller device in the motion control system, determine the frequency of the time base of the controller device based on the data associated with the time base of the controller device, determine a frequency adjustment to be made to a time base of the at least one drive device based on the frequency of the time base of the controller device, adjust a frequency of the time base of the at least one drive based on the frequency adjustment, and provide data associated with the time base of the at least one drive device.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system that operates mobile medical devices based upon a known location of the mobile medical device within a facility. Each of the mobile medical devices communicates with a central control unit to obtain information and communicate information received from the patient. Each communication event between the mobile medical device and the central control unit can be used to identify the location of the mobile medical device within the facility. The known physical location of the mobile medical device can be correlated to one of a plurality of departments within the care facility. Once the location is correlated to the department within the care facility, the operation of the mobile medical device can be adjusted by selecting an operating mode and user interface based on the department. The automated adjustment of the operating mode and user interface improves the function of the medical device without requiring user input.

Abstract: A method for selectively restricting movement of an appliance position switch from a closed position to an open position includes positioning the pin within a channel of a body portion of a switch retention device and moving the body of the switch retention device in a first direction into an opening in a face of the appliance within which the pin is moveable from the open position to the closed position. Such movement is carried out to cause movement of the pin in the first direction toward the closed position. The method further includes continuing to move the switch retention device in the first direction such that a cap thereof contacts the face, and a tab extending outwardly from the body engages with the opening to retain the switch retention device in the opening and the pin in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical illumination apparatus comprises a fiber optic input, and illuminated surgical instrument, and an optical coupling bracket for coupling the fiber optic input to the illuminated surgical instrument. The coupling bracket comprises an elongate frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central channel extending therebetween, wherein the central channel is sized to receive and support optical fibers of the fiber optic input. The proximal end of the bracket is coupled to the fiber optic input, and the distal end of the bracket is coupled to an illumination element of the illuminated surgical instrument. The apparatus may further comprise a shroud disposed around the illumination element that is coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A surgical system that illuminates a surgical site using one or more illumination means is powered by radiofrequency energy produced by an electrosurgical generator. Illumination may occur whether or not current is being delivered from an active electrode to target tissue.

Abstract: A well tool apparatus comprises a control arrangement configured to control response of the downhole tool by varying a bore-annulus pressure difference. The control arrangement includes a valve piston longitudinally slidable in a generally tubular controller housing that is in operation substantially co-axial with the wellbore, to open or close a valve port to a fluid flow connection between the drill strings interior and the tool. A latch mechanism is configured to latch the valve piston against movement in one axial direction, keeping the valve piston in an open or a closed condition. Unlatching of the valve piston requires displacement thereof in the other axial direction to a mode change position. A stay member is automatically displaceable under hydraulic actuation responsive to bore-annulus pressure differences above a trigger threshold value, to obstruct movement of the latched valve piston under hydraulic actuation to the mode change position.

Abstract: A system and method for stress-testing of electronic components are disclosed. The system and method include a stationary bath including a tub that defines an aperture in a plane, in which a plurality of slots are positionable and defined inside the tub and oriented orthogonally with respect to the plane. A dielectric fluid in the tub is heated by a heating element to a predetermined temperature value. A board is configured to be retrievably placed with one of the plurality of slots, the board having a plurality of sockets operable to receive corresponding electronic components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a sofa seat cushion comprising a cushion core including a multiplicity of pocketed springs enclosed within an upholstery foam envelope. The pocketed springs are positioned side by side in a spring layer arrangement and are independently operable. A memory foam layer positioned above the upholstery foam envelope comprises a material capable of molding to a person's body sitting on the sofa seat cushion and then quickly returning to an original shape once the person leaves the sofa seat cushion. The memory foam layer comprises a gel-infused visco-elastic memory foam with a polyethylene terephthalate layer positioned there above. Directly below the upholstery foam envelope is an upholstery-grade polyurethane foam layer with a polyethylene terephthalate layer positioned directly thereunder. An exterior upholstery surrounding the cushion core provides a plush seating surface.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for impacting, by a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV), a net having at least three sides; and converting the kinetic energy of the SUAV into at least one of: elastic potential energy of one or more tensioned elastic cords connected to at least one corner of the net, gravitational potential energy of a frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, rotational kinetic energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, and elastic potential energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net.

Abstract: A core for an airfoil casting, including: a cantilevered core section; and a boss extending from the cantilevered core section to an outer profile of the core.

Abstract: The Vertical Frame Orientation Bee Container is unique in that it allows for positioning of Langstroth bee hive frames in said container in the vertical frame position and allows access to said frames without removal of any hive body or super above, or requiring movement of the container (excluding covers) on any axis, with the best embodiment having dimensions that allow it to be used interchangeably with Langstroth type hive bodies, supers, compatible hives, and most devices for Langstroth hives. It also adds features that are designed to allow for ease in separating propolized components from each other while limiting any damage to the container constituents.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing one or more clinical protocols across multiple locations, including identify a clinical research location; capture a plurality of types of content from the administrator mobile device; analyze the captured content to determine one or more associated clinical protocols for the clinical research location; automatically select a workflow algorithm for each determined clinical protocol, the workflow algorithm configured to obtain stage based information and workflow items from the data store; and enable a mobile control interface for each determined clinical protocol, wherein the mobile control interface comprises monitoring of the stage based information and management of the workflow items associated with the clinical research location.

Abstract: A turbomachine blade according to various embodiments includes: a body having: a leading edge; a trailing edge; a suction side extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge; a pressure side, opposing the suction side; a root; and a tip opposing the root; and a trailing edge cooling circuit contained within the body, the trailing edge cooling circuit including: a first section extending from the root toward the tip along the pressure side; a second section extending from the first section toward the trailing edge; and a third section extending from the trailing edge along the suction side, wherein the trailing edge cooling circuit is configured to direct flow of a heat transfer fluid from the first section to the second section, and from the second section to the third section, without releasing the heat transfer fluid from the body at the trailing edge.

Abstract: There is provided an ergonomic handle device for holding tools including an approximately spherical holder having an outer surface and surrounding three slots; any two of the three slots are perpendicular to each other; each of the three slots extends from a first end to a second end on two opposite sides of the approximately spherical holder, in a radial direction and through a center of the approximately spherical holder; each of the three slots being sized and configured for engaged receipt of a handle of the tool, wherein the handle of the tool passes through the first end of one of the three slots until the handle of the tool passes through the second end of the slot; a plurality of grip indentations on the outer surface of the approximately spherical holder; and wherein the user may operate the tool by gripping the grip indentations of the approximately spherical holder for an extended time without getting stiff hands and fingers.

Abstract: A position switch retention device for use with an appliance including a body defining a first end, a cap extending outwardly from a second end of the body opposite the first end, and a first tab extending from a side of the body. The first tab defines a ramp extending away from the body to an edge directed toward and spaced from the cap.

Abstract: Various geometries for a trailing edge cooling system for a turbine blade. The trailing edge cooling system may include a plurality of cooling circuits extending at least partially along a radial length of a trailing edge of the turbine blade. Each cooling circuit may include an outward leg extending axially toward the trailing edge, and a plurality of turn legs in fluid communication with the outward leg. The plurality of turn legs may be positioned adjacent the trailing edge. Each cooling circuit may also include a return leg positioned adjacent the outward leg and extending axially from the trailing edge. The return leg may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may have a first width, and a second may have a second width that is greater than the first width of the first portion.

Abstract: A phone grip attachment includes a base configured for attachment to a phone and a finger-hold attached to the base. The finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold can be biased to the extended position. The finger-hold can be rotatably attached to the base.

Abstract: An imaging system may include an image sensor with phase detection pixel groups for depth sensing or automatic focusing operations. Each phase detection pixel group may have two or more photosensitive regions covered by a single microlens so that each photosensitive region has an asymmetric angular response. The imaging system may use image data from the phase detection pixel group to determine a phase difference. Alternatively, to improve accuracy, the imaging system may obtain two sets of image data using two different aperture sizes. The phase difference associated with each aperture size may be determined. The difference between the two phase differences may be determined and used as a more accurate metric for depth sensing or automatic focusing operations.

Abstract: Image sensors may include phase detection pixels that are used to determine the distance between the image sensor and objects in a scene. To account for variations in the angular response of phase detection pixels across a pixel array, calibration may be performed. During calibration, an image sensor may take images of targets at known distances from the sensor. The known distances may be used to determine scaling factors that account for differences between the initially calculated distances between the sensor and the targets and the actual distances between the sensor and the targets. The scaling factors may then be stored on the image sensor for future reference. During subsequent use of the image sensor, the image sensor may then obtain the appropriate scaling factor in real time for more accurate phase and distance determinations.