Abstract: In examples, a relative skin reflectance of a captured image of a subject is determined. The determination selects from the captured image pixels of the subject's face and pixels in the background and normalizes luminance values of the skin pixels using the background pixels. The relative skin reflectance value is determined for the captured image, based on the normalized luminance values of the skin pixels. Optionally the relative skin reflectance value is qualified, based on thresholds of skin reflectance values, as suitable for biometric use. Optionally, a non-qualifying captured image is flagged and, optionally, another image is acquired, or the non-conforming image is processed further to transform the image into a suitable image for biometric analysis.

Abstract: A pest control device comprising a capacitive sensor array including a plurality of sensor pads, the capacitive sensor array being configured to generate an electrical output signal indicating the state of each sensor pad, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the capacitive sensor array, the electronic controller including a processor and a memory including a plurality of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive the electrical output signals from the capacitive sensor array, determine a measured capacitance value for each sensor pad based on each electrical output signal, calculate a baseline for each sensor pad based on the measured capacitance value of the sensor pad, determine whether a difference between the measured capacitance value of at least one sensor pad and its corresponding baseline exceeds a first predetermined threshold, update a counter when the first predetermined threshold is exceeded, and record an event indicative of a presence

Abstract: An aircraft rotor system includes a rotating pitch change shaft which rotates about an axis, a translating element disposed within the rotating pitch change shaft and movable along the axis and a pitch change bearing assembly which transfers movement of the translating element to the pitch change shaft. The pitch change bearing assembly includes a primary bearing and a secondary bearing coupled to the rotating pitch change shaft via the translating element when the primary bearing is in a first mode. A thrust shoulder is coupled to the translating element. The thrust shoulder is movable into engagement with the secondary bearing in response to failure of the primary bearing such that in a second mode, movement of the translating element is primarily transferred to the pitch change shaft via the secondary bearing.

Abstract: A pest control device comprising a capacitive sensor array including a plurality of sensor pads, the capacitive sensor array being configured to generate an electrical output signal indicating the state of each sensor pad, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the capacitive sensor array, the electronic controller including a processor and a memory including a plurality of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive the electrical output signals from the capacitive sensor array, determine a measured capacitance value for each sensor pad based on each electrical output signal, calculate a baseline for each sensor pad based on the measured capacitance value of the sensor pad, determine whether a difference between the measured capacitance value of at least one sensor pad and its corresponding baseline exceeds a first predetermined threshold, update a counter when the first predetermined threshold is exceeded, and record an event indicative of a presence

Abstract: A multi-deck circuit arrangement including a first deck circuit having a negative supply terminal and a second deck having a positive supply terminal connected to the negative supply terminal. A single power supply provides a voltage across both the first and second decks. The total power consumption will be less than the prior art of having both deck circuits conventionally regulated. The supply rail connecting the second deck's positive supply terminal to the first deck's negative supply terminal may be regulated. In one embodiment, the rail voltage can be controlled to optimize deck circuit operation for speed and power and to avoid level shifters when interfacing to other circuits.

Abstract: The devices and methods of this disclosure relate to a heart valve prosthesis that is configured to be implanted within a native heart valve having a smaller perimeter annuli with a generally elliptical shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate is disclosed and includes, in one embodiment, a twin chamber housing having two openings formed therethrough, a first pump interface member coaxially aligned with one of the two openings formed in the twin chamber housing, and a second pump interface member coaxially aligned with another of the two openings formed in the twin chamber housing, wherein each of the pump interface members include three channels that are concentric with a centerline of the two openings.

Abstract: Methods of combining mineral composition and laboratory test results for reservoir rock samples to predict future responses to secondary and tertiary oil recovery treatments are disclosed. Particular, SEM and EDS will be combined to produce a mineral map, including mineral distribution around the rock's pore space, for comparison with laboratory data to predict and/or interpret how certain mineral distributions will respond to various fluid-rock interactions.

Abstract: Various laser level designs and remote controls are shown. In another example, the remote control for a laser level receives a plurality of interface protocols configured to control one or more laser levels, and subsequently selects one of the interface protocols when initiating control of a laser level. In another example, the relative positions a remote control with respect to a laser level are determined, and subsequently a visual representation is presented at the remote control based on the relative positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate is disclosed and includes, in one embodiment, a twin chamber housing having two openings formed therethrough, a first pump interface member coaxially aligned with one of the two openings formed in the twin chamber housing, and a second pump interface member coaxially aligned with another of the two openings formed in the twin chamber housing, wherein each of the pump interface members include three channels that are concentric with a centerline of the two openings.

Abstract: The devices and methods of this disclosure relate to a heart valve prosthesis that is configured to be implanted within a native heart valve having a smaller perimeter annuli with a generally elliptical shape.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly includes a first heat shield segment having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, and a heat shield retainer including a radial extension, wherein a torque bar aperture extends through the radial extension, the torque bar aperture configured to receive a torque bar. The heat shield retainer is secured from radial movement via the radial extension.

Abstract: A bipolar complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) device includes a MOS transistor including CMOS nickel silicided regions in a CMOS region, and a bipolar transistor in a bipolar region. The bipolar transistor includes a nickel silicided emitter, a collector, and a base including an intrinsic base, a link base, and a nickel silicided extrinsic base. The intrinsic base is situated between the nickel silicided emitter and the collector. A dielectric spacer separates the link base from the nickel silicided emitter. The nickel silicided extrinsic base provides an electrical connection to the link base and the intrinsic base. A nickel silicided collector sinker provides an electrical connection to the collector. The CMOS nickel silicided regions, nickel silicided emitter, nickel silicided extrinsic base, and nickel silicided collector sinker can include an additive of molybdenum (Mo) and/or platinum (Pt). A low temperature rapid thermal anneal can be performed so as to prevent deactivation of dopants.

Abstract: Prepreg tapes suitable for automated placement process are formed by slitting a sheet of partially impregnated prepreg. The partially impregnated prepreg is composed of unidirectional fiber tows partially embedded in a resin layer and has a continuous resin surface only on one side. In some embodiments, one or two nonwoven veil(s) is/are incorporated into the partially impregnated prepreg.

Abstract: A bipolar complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) device includes a MOS transistor including CMOS nickel silicided regions in a CMOS region, and a bipolar transistor in a bipolar region. The bipolar transistor includes a nickel silicided emitter, a collector, and a base including an intrinsic base, a link base, and a nickel silicided extrinsic base. The intrinsic base is situated between the nickel silicided emitter and the collector. A dielectric spacer separates the link base from the nickel silicided emitter. The nickel silicided extrinsic base provides an electrical connection to the link base and the intrinsic base. A nickel silicided collector sinker provides an electrical connection to the collector. The CMOS nickel silicided regions, nickel silicided emitter, nickel silicided extrinsic base, and nickel silicided collector sinker can include an additive of molybdenum (Mo) and/or platinum (Pt). A low temperature rapid thermal anneal can be performed so as to prevent deactivation of dopants.

Abstract: A bipolar complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) device includes a MOS transistor including CMOS nickel silicided regions in a CMOS region, and a bipolar transistor in a bipolar region. The bipolar transistor includes a nickel silicided emitter, a collector, and a base including an intrinsic base, a link base, and a nickel silicided extrinsic base. The intrinsic base is situated between the nickel silicided emitter and the collector. A dielectric spacer separates the link base from the nickel silicided emitter. The nickel silicided extrinsic base provides an electrical connection to the link base and the intrinsic base. A nickel silicided collector sinker provides an electrical connection to the collector. The CMOS nickel silicided regions, nickel silicided emitter, nickel silicided extrinsic base, and nickel silicided collector sinker can include an additive of molybdenum (Mo) and/or platinum (Pt). A low temperature rapid thermal anneal can be performed so as to prevent deactivation of dopants.

Abstract: A bipolar complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) device includes a MOS transistor including CMOS nickel silicided regions in a CMOS region, and a bipolar transistor in a bipolar region. The bipolar transistor includes a nickel silicided emitter, a collector, and a base including an intrinsic base, a link base, and a nickel silicided extrinsic base. The intrinsic base is situated between the nickel silicided emitter and the collector. A dielectric spacer separates the link base from the nickel silicided emitter. The nickel silicided extrinsic base provides an electrical connection to the link base and the intrinsic base. A nickel silicided collector sinker provides an electrical connection to the collector. The CMOS nickel silicided regions, nickel silicided emitter, nickel silicided extrinsic base, and nickel silicided collector sinker can include an additive of molybdenum (Mo) and/or platinum (Pt). A low temperature rapid thermal anneal can be performed so as to prevent deactivation of dopants.

Abstract: A bipolar complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) device includes a MOS transistor including CMOS nickel silicided regions in a CMOS region, and a bipolar transistor in a bipolar region. The bipolar transistor includes a nickel silicided emitter, a collector, and a base including an intrinsic base, a link base, and a nickel silicided extrinsic base. The intrinsic base is situated between the nickel silicided emitter and the collector. A dielectric spacer separates the link base from the nickel silicided emitter. The nickel silicided extrinsic base provides an electrical connection to the link base and the intrinsic base. A nickel silicided collector sinker provides an electrical connection to the collector. The CMOS nickel silicided regions, nickel silicided emitter, nickel silicided extrinsic base, and nickel silicided collector sinker can include an additive of molybdenum (Mo) and/or platinum (Pt). A low temperature rapid thermal anneal can be performed so as to prevent deactivation of dopants.

Abstract: A slope mower includes a mower body, drive wheels, left and right mower decks and left and right support wheels mounted on support arms pivotally mounted to the mower body with hydraulic actuators acting on the left and right support arms to maintain the mower body vertical. An inclinometer measures the tilt angle of the mower body and a controller reads the angle and controls a leveling valve to supply hydraulic fluid from a supply line to the leveling actuator toward which the inclinometer indicates the mower body is leaning to move the mower body back to vertical. The system can be programmed to actuate a leveling actuator only when the detected tilt angle exceeds a minimum angle. Lockout valves can be actuated by the controller to block the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from both actuators if a maximum allowed tilt angle is exceeded.