Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes: a surgical table; a plurality of movable carts being oriented toward the surgical table, each of which includes a robotic arm, and an alignment unit configured to determine an orientation of the movable cart and the robotic arm relative to the surgical table; and a computer coupled to each of the plurality of movable carts and configured to calculate a yaw angle for each of the plurality of movable carts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to system, method, and computer program for providing a wish-list user interface within a web browser, for tracking “fully-stacked prices” for items in the wish list, and for alerting users to a drop in a fully-stacked price of an item in the wish list. A browser extension provides a wish list user interface within a user's web browser. Via the user interface, a user is able to add products from different merchant websites to the wish list. As each item is added to the wish list, an initial multifactor-based price (i.e., the fully-stacked price) is calculated for the item. While an item remains in the wish list, a backend server continues to track the multifactor-based price for the item. In response to detecting a drop in a multifactor-based price for an item in the wish list, the browser extension alerts the user to the price drop.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to system, method, and computer program for providing a wish-list user interface within a web browser, for tracking “fully-stacked prices” for items in the wish list, and for alerting users to a drop in a fully-stacked price of an item in the wish list. A browser extension provides a wish list user interface within a user's web browser. Via the user interface, a user is able to add products from different merchant websites to the wish list. As each item is added to the wish list, an initial multifactor-based price (i.e., the fully-stacked price) is calculated for the item. While an item remains in the wish list, a backend server continues to track the multifactor-based price for the item. In response to detecting a drop in a multifactor-based price for an item in the wish list, the browser extension alerts the user to the price drop.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that provide a credit card payment incentive system. The incentive system incentivizes a credit card member to pay down an outstanding balance quicker than it would typically be paid by making minimum payments against the outstanding balance. A financial system computing system is configured to receive payment data, which it parses to determine a payment amount made by the credit card member against the outstanding balance. The computing system reviews the payment amount against a minimum payment due to determine whether the payment amount qualifies as a qualified payment for purposes of applying a statement credit against the outstanding balance. If the payment amount qualifies as the qualified payment, the statement credit is applied against the outstanding balance.

Abstract: A substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface is provided. The substrate includes a plurality of v-grooves formed in the upper surface. Each v-groove includes a first side and a second side perpendicular to the first side. A laser diode bar assembly is disposed within each of the v-grooves and attached to the first side. The laser diode bar assembly includes a first adhesion layer disposed on the first side of the v-groove, a metal plate attached to the first adhesion layer, a second adhesion layer disposed over the metal plate, and a laser diode bar attached to the second adhesion layer. The laser diode bar has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially similar to that of the metal plate.

Abstract: A substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface is provided. The substrate includes a plurality of v-grooves formed in the upper surface. Each v-groove includes a first side and a second side perpendicular to the first side. A laser diode bar assembly is disposed within each of the v-grooves and attached to the first side. The laser diode bar assembly includes a first adhesion layer disposed on the first side of the v-groove, a metal plate attached to the first adhesion layer, a second adhesion layer disposed over the metal plate, and a laser diode bar attached to the second adhesion layer. The laser diode bar has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially similar to that of the metal plate.

Abstract: A method of distributing and mixing a drink includes the steps of: providing a first container body and filling the first container body with a first fluid such that the first fluid is sealingly held within the first container body. The first container body has a first feature that permits the first fluid to selectively flow from the first container body. The method also includes the step of providing a second container body for holding a second fluid. The second container body has a second feature that permits the second fluid to flow from the second container body. The second container body is filled with the second fluid. The first and second container bodies are joined such that the first and second fluids are separated from one another and are sealingly contained within the first and second container bodies, respectively.

Abstract: Coupled-power adjusting apparatus is disclosed in conjunction with optoelectronic modules. The apparatus includes a receptacle assembly with an elongated optical fiber receiving opening having a longitudinal axis and an optoelectronic device. Variable optical power coupling apparatus is mounted in the optical fiber receiving opening and rotateable about the longitudinal axis without moving along the longitudinal axis. Relative rotation of the variable optical power coupling apparatus varies the amount of optical power coupled between the optoelectronic device and an optical fiber positioned in the optical fiber receiving opening. The variable optical power coupling apparatus includes either a polarized isolator or a beveled optical fiber stub.

Abstract: A teleconference system including a plurality of personal presence cells positioned at a local communication site and at a remote communication site. The plurality of personal presence cells are characterized as either sensor cells or display cells. The sensor cells include at least one video camera positioned to sense and transmit an image of the local participant, and an image screen positioned to reflect an image of the local participant toward the at least one video camera and for viewing of an image through the screen. The display cells each include at least one projection display positioned to display a multi-dimensional image of a remote participant on a display screen. A transmission link interfaces the plurality of personal presence cells positioned at the local communication site and the plurality of presence cells positioned at the remote communication site.

Abstract: An active vibration damper, such as a piezoelectric element (310, 400, 604, 800), a magnetostrictive element (510, 902) or a magnetic shaped alloy, is placed at a connection point (102) between a vehicle suspension component and a vehicle body or frame. The vehicle suspension component, for example, a suspension control arm (100) or shock absorber, determines, in part, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle suspension component determines steering and handling of the vehicle. Desirable NVH and good steering and handling are at odds; that is, good steering and handling typically requires a compromise in NVH characteristics. By virtue of the selective placement of vibration dampers in accordance with the invention, good steering and handling are achieved without sacrificing NVH characteristics.

Abstract: An active vibration damper, such as a piezoelectric element (310, 400, 604, 800), a magnetostrictive element (510, 902) or a magnetic shaped alloy, is placed at a connection point (102) between a vehicle suspension component and a vehicle body or frame. The vehicle suspension component, for example, a suspension control arm (100) or shock absorber, determines, in part, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle suspension component determines steering and handling of the vehicle. Desirable NVH and good steering and handling are at odds; that is, good steering and handling typically requires a compromise in NVH characteristics. By virtue of the selective placement of vibration dampers in accordance with the invention, good steering and handling are achieved without sacrificing NVH characteristics.

Abstract: A teleconference system including a plurality of personal presence cells positioned at a local communication site and at a remote communication site. The plurality of personal presence cells are characterized as either sensor cells or display cells. The sensor cells include at least one video camera positioned to sense and transmit an image of the local participant, and an image screen positioned to reflect an image of the local participant toward the at least one video camera and for viewing of an image through the screen. The display cells each include at least one projection display positioned to display a multi-dimensional image of a remote participant on a display screen. A transmission link interfaces the plurality of personal presence cells positioned at the local communication site and the plurality of presence cells positioned at the remote communication site.

Abstract: A teleconference system including a plurality of personal presence cells positioned at a local communication site and at a remote communication site. The plurality of personal presence cells are characterized as either sensor cells or display cells. The sensor cells include at least one video camera positioned to sense and transmit an image of the local participant, and an image screen positioned to reflect an image of the local participant toward the at least one video camera and for viewing of an image through the screen. The display cells each include at least one projection display positioned to display a multi-dimensional image of a remote participant on a display screen. A transmission link interfaces the plurality of personal presence cells positioned at the local communication site and the plurality of presence cells positioned at the remote communication site.

Abstract: A digital scanner composed of a plurality of individually addressable scanning elements. Each of the plurality of individually addressable scanning elements capable of operating in discrete states in response to digital input signals applied to the digital scanner, thereby providing for either a straight passage and optical deflections or displacements, of a light beam passing therethrough dependent upon the state of operation of each scanning element. The scanner thereby capable of steering light over many positions according to digital input signals.

Abstract: A non-speckle laser projection display composed of a liquid crystal material for the generation of a high resolution, non-speckle image. The projection display screen includes a liquid crystal material which is constructed in a highly scattered state when no drive voltage is applied. When a high frequency, low voltage signal is applied to the liquid crystal projection display screen, the liquid crystal molecules vibrate slightly at a frequency higher than 60 Hz, thereby causing the speckle pattern to change quickly, and causing the eye to smooth out and see no speckle. In addition, provided is a non-speckle laser display system in which included is a laser image source and the liquid crystal projection display screen.

Abstract: A full color organic light emitting backlight device for liquid crystal display applications defined by a first OLED panel, designed to emit light in a red bandwidth, a second OLED panel, positioned adjacent the first OLED panel and designed to emit light in a green bandwidth, and a third OLED panel, positioned adjacent the second OLED panel and designed to emit light in a blue bandwidth. The light emitting device having positioned on an uppermost surface a liquid crystal display. The device intended for incorporation into portable electronic devices. The device is fabricated to achieve a full color image using field sequential color techniques.

Abstract: A teleconference system including a display terminal composed of an image source, a plurality of optical elements, a display screen and a planar optical structure associated with an outermost surface of the display screen; a video camera positioned to receive a reflected image from the display screen and a transmission link to a distant teleconference system. The planar optical structure is formed integral the display screen, such as through molding, or the like, or alternatively affixed to the outermost surface of the display screen in the form of a coating, or a plastic of glass element. The planar optical structure includes a blazed grating, thereby providing for the transmission therethrough of a portion of light and the reflectance of a portion of light incident thereon.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing the viewing angle of a display including the positioning of a liquid crystal beam deflector on display device, such as a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal beam deflector is capable of deflecting a display image incident thereon, thereby deflecting a primary viewing axis, resulting in an altered viewing axis and/or a broader viewing cone. The resultant effect allows the user to view the display image from the altered viewing angle or at any position within the broader viewing cone, to provide for a higher contrast output image by deflecting the brightest image away from the direction of specular reflection in ambient illuminated reflective displays.

Abstract: An integrated electro-optical package including an array composed of a substrate having defined thereon a plurality of unit cells, composed of active and inactive areas. The substrate having positioned thereon a major surface, a plurality of sub-arrays and driver/control circuits. The sub-arrays, defining the active area formed within each unit cell, and being composed of a plurality of light emitting devices. The driver/control circuits mounted to the substrate within the inactive area of each unit cell. The electro-optical package fabricated to allow for scanning of the active area of each unit cell to create a resultant integrated image of increased resolution, without an increase in the number of pixels formed by the light emitting devices of the sub-arrays.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell and a liquid crystal polarization switch. The liquid crystal cell capable of creating a liquid crystal phase prism under the influence of an external voltage. The liquid crystal polarization switch capable of perpendicularly rotating the polarization of light impinging upon the liquid crystal polarization switch, prior to passage through the liquid crystal cell in response to an applied voltage. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of modulating the phase of light passing therethrough, resulting in a high resolution resultant integrated image.