Abstract: A swallowable capsule with a camera and a memory for imaging the colon. Standard semiconductor memory (memories made of standard memories processes or processes modified from standard process by adopting comprehensible silicon planar technology process steps) is used. This is made possible by the use of an optimal type of image compression that can be performed with limited processing power and limited memory (e.g., without requiring a full size frame buffer). Also, controls on the number of images taken are used in one embodiment.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging system is provided with a capsule having at least one balloon configured to orient the capsule in a consistent orientation relative to an internal organ; at least one valve configured to control the quantity of gas within the at least one balloon; and an imager encased within the capsule.

Abstract: A capsule camera apparatus includes a swallowable housing, a light source within the housing, a camera within the housing for capturing a first digital image and a second digital image of a view of the camera illuminated by the light source, a a motion detector that detects a motion of the housing using the first digital image and the second digital image, and a motion evaluator that selects a disposition of the second digital image, based on a metric on the motion. The disposition may include writing the second image into an archival storage or providing the second digital image to the outside by a wireless communication link.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a biasing circuit for maintaining the transconductance of a Gm cell constant. The integrated circuit comprises an on-chip constant voltage source and an on-chip constant current source. The on-chip constant current source has a connection for an external resistance, the value of the external resistance determining the current generated by the constant current source. The biasing circuit comprises means for providing a first fraction (?) of the current generated by the on-chip current source to bias the output of the Gm cell, and means for providing a second fraction (?) of the voltage generated by the on-chip voltage source to bias the input of the Gm cell. The transconductance of the Gm cell is controlled to be equal to the ratio of said fraction of the current generated by the on-chip current source to said fraction of the voltage generated by the on-chip voltage source.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and associated method(s) that utilize zeroth-order feedback to provide precise positional information about optical components comprising the optical apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-modal interface for facilitating access to an interactive sports contest using a telephony-based device, comprising an interactive voice recognition system and a central processing unit which can provide access to a database of contestants and a database of players of interest, wherein a contestant in the interactive sports contest can register, select a virtual team of players and manage the team through the multi-modal interface. Due to the ubiquitous nature of telephony-based devices, contestants can interact with interactive sports contests such as fantasy sports leagues in a timely, user-friendly and possibly personalized fashion. The multi-modal interface can be configured to accept voice-only commands from contestants, as well as provide contestants with notifications of statistics or events at a predetermined time and frequency. The notification can also be sent using a telephony-based device-specific format.

Abstract: An optical spectral filtering device and associated method for selectively directing a portion of a wavelength multiplexed input signal, entering through an optical fiber, into one or more output signals provided to one or more optical fibers and/or electronic outputs. The optical filtering is accomplished using free-space diffractive wavelength demultiplexing optics combined with a fixed (permanent) patterned structure located in the spectrally dispersed image plane. The structure can block or direct a selected spectral portion of the optical signal to one or more separate outputs, such as an optical fiber or power detector. A single active element in the optical path is used to spatially shift, or steer, the entire input spectrum at the dispersed spectral image plane, to control the portion of the input spectrum illuminating specific features on the permanent patterned structure.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a biasing circuit for maintaining the transconductance of a Gm cell constant. The integrated circuit comprises an on-chip constant voltage source and an on-chip constant current source. The on-chip constant current source has a connection for an external resistance, the value of the external resistance determining the current generated by the constant current source. The biasing circuit comprises means for providing a first fraction (?) of the current generated by the on-chip current source to bias the output of the Gm cell, and means for providing a second fraction (?) of the voltage generated by the on-chip voltage source to bias the input of the Gm cell. The transconductance of the Gm cell is controlled to be equal to the ratio of said fraction of the current generated by the on-chip current source to said fraction of the voltage generated by the on-chip voltage source.

Abstract: We describe a variable bandwidth tunable optical spectral filtering device and associated method for selectively directing a portion of a wavelength multiplexed input signal, entering through one or more optical fibers, into one or more output signals provided to one or more optical fibers and/or electronic outputs. The optical filtering is accomplished using free-space diffractive wavelength de-multiplexing optics combined with a fixed (permanent) patterned structure located in the spectrally dispersed image plane. The structure can direct a selected spectral portion of the optical signal to one or more separate outputs, such as an optical fiber or power detector. A single active element in the optical path is used to spatially shift, or steer, the entire input spectrum at the dispersed spectral image plane, to control the portion of the input spectrum illuminating specific features on the permanent patterned structure.

Abstract: An optical amplification method which includes a spectral filtering method for selecting one of several pre-recorded spectral filter patterns and applies this filter to the spectral distribution of a multi-wavelength optical signal transmitted from an input to an output fiber. Optical filtering may be accomplished using free-space bulk optical diffractive wavelength demultiplexing, combined with a fixed (permanent) spatial pattern located in the spectrally dispersed image plane, to transfer to the optical output fiber the input signal with its spectrum selectively attenuated.

Abstract: An optical transmitter/transceiver that includes a gain medium having a sufficiently highly reflective surface at one end, a sufficiently anti-reflective surface at another opposite end, and an attachable/detachable wavelength-selective reflection mechanism which when coupled to the gain medium effectively becomes part of a laser cavity. A transmitter/transceiver module that includes a number of these optical transmitter/transceivers provides a multi-wavelength output source, depending upon the attachable/detachable wavelength-selective reflection mechanism chosen for a particular transmitter/transceiver.

Abstract: We describe an optical spectral filtering device and associated method for selectively directing a portion of a wavelength multiplexed input signal, entering through an optical fiber, into one or more output signals provided to one or more optical fibers and/or electronic outputs. The optical filtering is accomplished using free-space diffractive wavelength demultiplexing optics combined with a fixed (permanent) patterned structure located in the spectrally dispersed image plane. The structure can block or direct a selected spectral portion of the optical signal to one or more separate outputs, such as an optical fiber or power detector. A single active element in the optical path is used to spatially shift, or steer, the entire input spectrum at the dispersed spectral image plane, to control the portion of the input spectrum illuminating specific features on the permanent patterned structure.

Abstract: An automotive turbine regenerator system employs sectored matrix elements which are extruded and then assembled into the larger rotary regenerator. Discontinuous rotation is taught such that the seals are not rubbing seals but rather are clamping seals thus radically reducing the leakage and the wear on seal components.

Abstract: An automotive turbine regenerator system employs sectored matrix elements which are extruded and then assembled into the larger rotary regenerator. Discontinuous rotation is taught such that the seals are not rubbing seals but rather are clamping seals thus radically reducing the leakage and the wear on seal components.

Abstract: In a detection circuit for ASK or OOK modulation, the received modulated signal is ac coupled to a dc restoration circuit and amplified. The dc restoration is carried out on signal peaks corresponding to “mark” intervals of the modulated signal. Thus data may be recovered even in the presence of high levels inband continuous interfering signals.

Abstract: The present invention includes a open-Brayton-cycle automotive power-generation unit adapted to be energized by stored thermal energy. Thermal energy, absorbed from hot thermal-energy-storage material present in a working fluid heating vessel, heats a working fluid that passes through the unit's turbine. The unit also includes a rotary impeller that draws the flow of working-fluid into the unit from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it into a working-fluid heat regenerator. Within the regenerator, working fluid from the compressor is warmed by thermal energy from hot working-fluid exhausted from the turbine. After passing through the regenerator, working-fluid from the turbine is discharged into the atmosphere. Working-fluid from the compressor flows from the regenerator through the heating vessel into the turbine. An alternator converts energy from the turbine into electricity. The electric energy thus obtained powers a vehicle's electric drive motors.

Abstract: An interactive video horse-race game comprising data storage and retrieval means; at least one pre-recorded video track of a horse-race stored in the data storage and retrieval means; at least one pre-recorded audio track of a horse-race stored in the data storage and retrieval means; wherein names of horses and their post and finishing positions in each of at least one audio track correspond to post and finishing positions of horses in corresponding ones of at least one video track; at least one race form stored in the data storage and retrieval means, one form corresponding to each audio track; means for preselecting one race form and a corresponding video and corresponding audio track to be replayed as a race being run; means for displaying the preselected race form; means for entering player identification into the data storage and retrieval means; means for selecting and entering player financial information into the data storage and retrieval means; means enabling players to enter bets on the outcome of

Abstract: A hand scraper for griddles and the like has a support (11) for a blade (12) removably secured by a screw (13) projecting forwardly and downwardly from a handgrip (10), and a guard (14) which is conveniently formed of stainless steel rod, is spaced from the underside of the handgrip to afford protection of the fingers and to serve as a stable base for the scraper when not in use. An upwardly extending shield (33) is provided adjacent the blade support (11), to protect the hand from hot fatty debris pushed up over the blade (12).

Abstract: Regenerative heat exchangers are described for transferring heat between hot and cold fluids. The heat exchangers have seal-leakage rates significantly less than those of conventional regenerative heat exchangers because the matrix is discontinuously moved and is releasably sealed while in a stationary position. Both rotary and modular heat exchangers are described. Also described are methods for transferring heat between a hot and cold fluid using the discontinuous movement of matrices.