Abstract: A modular laser objective for use with a microscope is provided. A mounting modular body permits the modular objective to be releasably mounted to the turret of a microscope. The objective has an optical axis that penults an image beam to be emitted through the objective toward the eyepiece of a microscope. The modular body supports a mirror positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the objective. A modular laser assembly is mounted on the modular body on a first side of the mirror for directing a laser beam toward the mirror so that the energy is reflected off the mirror and through the objective in a direction that is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the objective.

Abstract: An objective assembly for use with a microscope is provided. The objective has an optical axis that permits an image beam to be emitted through the objective toward the eyepiece of a microscope. A mirror is positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the objective. A laser assembly is positioned on a first side of the mirror for directing a laser beam toward said mirror so that the energy is reflected off the mirror and through the objective in a direction that is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the objective. An indicator assembly including a source of light is positioned with the light incident on the other side of the mirror to reflect a beam of light in a direction opposite to the direction of the laser beam to provide an optical representation at the eyepiece of a microscope of the position of the laser beam being emitted by the objective.

Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a method of removing sharp edges from a microscope coverslip comprising grinding down the edges and polishing the edges The invention also relates to a device for determining cell motility comprising a slide, a coverslip, comprising at least one edge that has been smoothed and a chamber, created by the slide and the coverslip and which is tangential to the coverslip, such that motile cells entering the chamber are substantially undamaged. The invention also relates to a method for using the device to determine cell motility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device of integrated neuronal cells interfaced with an electronic device and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device of integrated neuronal cells interfaced with an electronic device and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a time shift required for symbol synchronization in a block oriented digital communication systems such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or a discrete multi-tone (DMT) data transmission system. The method uses an N/d inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), where N is a sample number and d is a decimation factor, or alternatively an N/(2d) inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) for a real received signal or an N/d IDFT for a complex received signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a channel jammed by narrowband jamming interference in a block oriented digital transmission system such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete multi-tone (DMT) system. A spectrum of a received data bearing signal is examined to identify areas of the spectrum that are likely corrupted by a narrowband jamming interference. The method identifies jammed channels by applying a boxcar filter, in order to identify narrow peaks in the spectrum that are substantially larger in magnitude than adjacent channels. Channels identified as jammed or affected by a jamming signal, are listed in a jam mask used for screening out corrupted channels during data transmission.

Abstract: A laser assembly is provided which includes an objective assembly having an objective and a dichroic mirror, a collimating assembly having a collimating lens and a selectively displaceable mount, and a laser supply assembly having a laser source. The laser assembly can provide laser light through the collimating lens, which collimates the laser light into a collimated beam. The laser beam is preferably transmitted onto the dichroic mirror, which reflects the laser light through the objective along the optical path of the objective which converges into a focal point. Such a laser assembly preferably provides substantial control of the laser beam, for example, for micromanipulation of a sample.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content on-demand by way of a cable network are disclosed. Provision of such content is controlled over a data network. Advantageously, a user interface at a conventional computing device may be used to order content and to control its delivery and playing. Commands from the computing device may be provided by way of data network to a network interconnected server. The server under software control causes a media receiver at the customer premises to be properly tuned to receive content on-demand, and content on-demand to be played, as requested by the computing device. The media receiver may include a conventional set-top box that may be tuned remotely in response to a customer placing an on-demand order.

Abstract: A high maneuverability towcraft has a hull, a primary water-engaging device, and a towline attachment above a waterline of the hull. A towline line-of-tension extends through an effective centerline of the primary water-engaging device. The towcraft also has a castering device for providing directional stability to the towcraft which allows the towcraft to follow the lead of the primary water-engaging means. The stability of the towcraft is not negatively impacted either by any lateral force of the towline or by an instantaneous position of the towline with respect to a front of the towcraft.

Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a method of removing sharp edges from a microscope coverslip comprising grinding down the edges and polishing the edges The invention also relates to a device for determining cell motility comprising a slide, a coverslip, comprising at least one edge that has been smoothed and a chamber, created by the slide and the coverslip and which is tangential to the coverslip, such that motile cells entering the chamber are substantially undamaged. The invention also relates to a method for using the device to determine cell motility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article, system and method for thermally conditioning an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus may incorporate a heating device and a component that includes a lubricant. The component including the lubricant may be preheated before movement and then rotated at reduced speeds prior to a printing operation. This may occur during an image forming apparatus cold start or power saver mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus relating to the thermal management of an image fixing device such as establishing the temperature of a component that engages with the image fixing device in an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A maneuverable towcraft consisting of a partial hull structure to which is removably attached at least three downward-projecting fins. A first ventral fin of sufficient size and draft is located along the craft's centerline, toward the front of the craft. A second and third fin, smaller in size and draft relative to the ventral fin, are laterally spaced-apart at a station aft of the ventral fin. The towline attachment to the towcraft is at a point above the craft's operative waterline and situated such that the towline line-of-force intersects, or very nearly intersects, the ventral fin's effective vertical zero-moment line for normal towline attitudes. Maneuvering of the towcraft by its one or more riders is accomplished by differential drag means.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the provision of robust telecommunication to and from remote areas without reliably operating infrastructure such as electrical distribution power grid, telephone networks, and the like using a novel combination of equipment with a reduced data set and transmission protocols. The invention may be used in remote areas by lightly trained personnel or may be connected to remote unmanned sensors, and permits the collection of data from the field and the communication of signals back to the field.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a time shift required for symbol synchronization in a block oriented digital communication systems such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or a discrete multi-tone (DMT) data transmission system. The method uses an N/d inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), where N is a sample number and d is a decimation factor, or alternatively an N/(2d) inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) for a real received signal or an N/d IDFT for a complex received signal.

Abstract: A method for calculating and displaying the isothermal contours of the energy produced by a laser in a sample includes applying a laser beam to the focal point of a sample. The region near the focal point is divided into cylinders coaxial with the beam. The maximum temperature reached during the laser pulse of at least three points at arbitrary distances from the focal point is derived. The temperatures calculated are plotted as a function of distance from the focal point sufficient to generate isothermal contours. A computer display is then generated of the isothermal contours corresponding to the temperature calculations.

Abstract: A large area heater used, for example, in a laser printer belt fuser or as cooking surface, has an alumina substrate in which two bowed parts of alumina ceramic having opposed concave regions are formed together as a laminate. Electrical resistors are deposited on the laminate. The alumina laminate provides excellent resistance to uneven heating or other thermal stress. Alumina ceramic is readily shaped during manufacture and manufacturing costs and yield are good. A wide variety of large area heaters can usefully employ the laminate.

Abstract: An improved laser printer is provided that keeps its fuser at a standby temperature that is somewhat raised above the ambient temperature, which allows the printer to operate more quickly (to begin printing the first page) when a print job arrives at the printer. The time needed to raise the fuser's temperature is minimized, so that other printer operations become the determining factor in the time to first print parameter. The electrical energy that energizes the fuser is provided in a form that prevents light flicker, by use of AC waveform phase control, or by use of integer half cycle control. The present invention uses closed-loop feedback control, and the type of controller is a PID controller.

Abstract: A substrate for cell growth comprises a polysaccharide and a cell adhesion protein provided at the surface of the substrate. The polysaccharide may for example be an alginate and the cell adhesion protein may be fibronectin, vitronectin or von Willebrand protein. The substrate may for example be a fibre and may be produced by extruding a solution containing dissolved polysaccharide and cell adhesion protein into a coagulation bath so that a substrate comprised of a basal layer of the polysaccharide and surface layer of cell adhesion protein is precipitated.