Abstract: A method for operating a DC-DC converter. The method comprises: matching, based on a turns ratio of a transformer of the DC-DC converter, a primary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter and a secondary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter to result in a matched capacitance; and operating the DC-DC converter with at least one operating parameter set to cause a primary current to oscillate between a peak value and zero such that a valley of the primary current coincides with a zero crossing of a secondary switching element voltage.

Abstract: A method and control system for automatically halting operation of a washing machine by stopping operation of the washing machine motor is provided. The washing machine that implements the method includes a motor controller having a primary microprocessor and a secondary microprocessor which serves as a backup redundancy processor in the event there is a malfunction with the primary microprocessor or the primary microprocessor fails to halt washing machine operation within a prescribed window of time. The primary microprocessor controls operation of all of the washing machine electrically controlled components. The secondary microprocessor is electrically connected to a lid switch and the washing machine motor and is configured to halt operation of the motor in response to the primary microprocessor failing to halt motor operation after the lid is open.

Abstract: A transformer assembly. In some embodiments, the transformer assembly comprises a transformer, comprising a magnetic core; a primary winding wound around the magnetic core, wherein the primary winding comprises one or two turns of a first conductive material; and a secondary winding wound around the magnetic core, wherein the secondary winding comprises a plurality of turns of a second conductive material, and wherein a diameter of the magnetic core is sized such that the transformer achieves a first inductance with a core loss comparable to a winding loss.

Abstract: An adjustable dental device for use with a CPAP system in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring is comprised of an upper bite block, a lower bite block having one or more tongue retainers, means for adjustably connecting the upper bite block to the lower bite block, and means for connecting the dental device to a CPAP system. The adjustable dental device is compatible with a variety of CPAP systems, including systems that utilize nasal inserts and systems that utilize a nasal mask.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method for enhancing cognition of a participant using visual emphasis. One or more scenes are provided and are available for visual presentation to the participant, each scene having a background and at least one foreground object. A scene is visually presented to the participant with a specified visual emphasis that enhances visual distinction of the at least one foreground object with respect to the background, where the foreground object(s) and/or the background are modified or selected to achieve the specified visual emphasis. The participant is required to respond to the scene, and a determination made as to whether the participant responded correctly. The visual emphasis may be modified based on whether or not the participant responded correctly a specified number of times. The presenting, requiring, and determining (and possibly the modifying) are repeated in an iterative manner to improve the participant's cognition.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a post (602) and a corresponding pivoting barrier (601) comprises a post-mountable bracket (300) and a pivoting barrier-mountable bracket (500). The former comprises a frame (301) configured to be affixed to the post, a barrier pivot (305) that is affixed to the frame, and a linear actuator arm mounting bracket (307) that is also affixed to the frame. The pivoting barrier-mountable bracket can comprise a frame (501) configured to be affixed to the pivoting barrier, a post pivot (505) that is affixed to the frame and that is configured to pivotally mate with the barrier pivot, and a linear actuator arm mounting bracket (507).

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing the phases and frequencies of devices in multi-user, wireless communications systems are provided. A primary beacon signal is transmitted by a destination node in a wireless communications network to a plurality of source nodes. Secondary beacon signals are also exchanged between the source nodes. Using the primary and secondary beacon signals, the nodes generate local phase and frequency estimates which are used to control local phases and frequencies of the source nodes. The source nodes then transmit common information to the destination at carrier frequencies based on the estimated local frequencies and phases, so that the phases and frequencies of the transmitted information are synchronized to facilitate coherent combining of the bandpass signals at the destination. Phase and frequency synchronization can be applied to wireless communications systems having any number of source nodes, and effects of Doppler shifts and moving platforms are accounted for.

Abstract: A secure and portable paper currency container and dispenser that is designed to allow the user access to the paper currency stored in the unit with one hand. The paper currency notes are folded and placed in the container by the user. The container dispenser is designed to allow the user by following the provided instructions to fold and place the paper currency notes in the container. The container dispenser may be attached to a vehicle, person or clothing as the user may choose. The container design allows the paper currency notes to be accessed one at a time until the container is empty. At that time the container may be refilled by the user or disposed of. Coin currency may also be placed with one hand in the container dispenser when in a closed operating position for storage and may only be retrieved by the user when the container is opened.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A method for cleansing used reaction cuvettes so that whenever certain assays are to be or have been performed in the reaction cuvette, the cuvette is automatically subjected to an additional cleaning operation by providing a number of washing and drying manifolds, each of which is independently selectively activated to perform or not perform a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A method for use in relation to a security system includes receiving one or more items of information that each identify things or users associated with the security system, and forming a fixed portion of a security code using the one or more items of information. The fixed portion of the security code is stored in an apparatus that is configured to transmit the security code. A method and apparatus involving the receipt of such a security code are also disclosed. A method for use in relation to a security system includes generating a fixed portion of a security code, and setting a value of the fixed portion of the security code to a value that has a relationship to a fixed portion of a previously learned security code. The relationship indicates that the fixed portion of the security code is a replacement for the fixed portion of the previously learned security code. The fixed portion of the security code is stored in an apparatus that is configured to transmit the security code.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to expression vectors and yeast cells transformed therewith containing a first heterologous nucleotide sequence which codes for a G protein-coupled receptor, for example, the somatostatin receptor, and a second nucleotide sequence which codes for all or a portion of a G protein ??? complex. Said heterologous protein is physically expressed in a host cell membrane in proper orientation for both stereoselective binding of ligands, as well as functional interaction with G proteins on the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane. In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous or chimeric G? protein is expressed in conjunction with nucleotide sequences from the yeast G protein ?? subunits. A second aspect of the present invention provides expression vectors and yeast cells transformed therewith encoding chimeric yeast/heterologous G protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: A method and control system for automatically halting operation of a washing machine by stopping operation of the washing machine motor is provided. The washing machine that implements the method includes a motor controller having a primary microprocessor and a secondary microprocessor which serves as a backup redundancy processor in the event there is a malfunction with the primary microprocessor or the primary microprocessor fails to halt washing machine operation within a prescribed window of time. The primary microprocessor controls operation of all of the washing machine electrically controlled components. The secondary microprocessor is electrically connected to a lid switch and the washing machine motor and is configured to halt operation of the motor in response to the primary microprocessor failing to halt motor operation after the lid is open.

Abstract: A method and system for compensating for misalignment of a piece of target material to which a design is to be applied is described. One embodiment receives first and second sets of coordinates corresponding to the location, respectively, of first and second reference points on the target piece of material; modifies, based on the received first and second sets of coordinates, design data that specifies a predetermined position and orientation of the design on the target piece of material with respect to the first and second reference points to produce modified design data, the modified design data compensating for at least one of translational and rotational misalignment of the target piece of material with respect to a design-application mechanism; and applies the design to the target piece of material in accordance with the modified design data.

Abstract: In a method and system for controlling rotation of a color image stored as sub-sampled image data in a memory, a controller includes a finite state machine (FSM) operable to fetch the sub-sampled image data and provide the sub-sampled data as a plurality of pixels to form the color image having a predefined angle of rotation. The FSM provides a predefined address of sub-sampled image data describing the color image stored in the memory to an addressing unit. The addressing unit is operable to read twice the sub-sampled image data located at the predefined address. A memory device is operable to push each read instance of the sub-sampled image data. A pipeline controlled by the FSM is operable to pull and selectively read the sub-sampled image data from the memory device for generating the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A method for cleansing used reaction cuvettes so that whenever certain assays are to be or have been performed in the reaction cuvette, the cuvette is automatically subjected to an additional cleaning operation by providing a number of washing and drying manifolds, each of which is independently selectively activated to perform or not perform a cleaning operation

Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A command is received at a controller of the barrier movement operator system and it is determined whether the command is a valid command. When the command is a valid command, at least one of the plurality of barriers to be controlled is identified based upon information included within the command. A motor is selectively coupled to the identified barrier or barriers and the motor is energized to move the one or more barriers.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method for enhancing cognition of a participant using visual emphasis. One or more scenes are provided and are available for visual presentation to the participant, each scene having a background and at least one foreground object. A scene is visually presented to the participant with a specified visual emphasis that enhances visual distinction of the at least one foreground object with respect to the background, where the foreground object(s) and/or the background are modified or selected to achieve the specified visual emphasis. The participant is required to respond to the scene, and a determination made as to whether the participant responded correctly. The visual emphasis may be modified based on whether or not the participant responded correctly a specified number of times. The presenting, requiring, and determining (and possibly the modifying) are repeated in an iterative manner to improve the participant's cognition.

Abstract: A method for cleansing used reaction cuvettes so that whenever certain assays are to be or have been performed in the reaction cuvette, the cuvette is automatically subjected to an additional cleaning operation by providing a number of washing and drying manifolds, each of which is independently selectively activated to perform or not perform a cleaning operation.