Abstract: The timed system for rapid assay is a cartridge system capable of receiving a sample system and performing an assay of the enclosed sample. The cartridge includes a reaction chamber for conducting the assay, with access between the sample system, reaction chamber, and reagent canisters controlled by the motion of a valve. Motion of the valve is in turn controlled by a gearing subsystem that allows for timed opening of various fluent and fluid lines between the sample system, reaction chamber, and reagent canisters.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for generating a global minimum value of a function representing a characteristic of a system comprising at least one object, wherein the function is based at least in part on a set of data elements within a bounded domain. At an initial randomly chosen data element, the method comprises generating a local minimum by a sequence comprising multiple iterations of a construction phase followed by a local-improvement phase. A set of local minima are generated at a set of initial randomly chosen data elements. The global minimum is the minimum of the local minima within the bounded domain.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.

Abstract: A sail line stopper is provided for controlling the rate of movement of a sailing line prior to or subsequent to the locking of a line in a fixed position. The sail sheet stopper has a base with a channel formed therethrough. A plurality of closely spaced links are mounted for pivotal movement in the base and each of the links has an opening with the line openings forming a channel through which the line to be controlled is positioned. A handle is coupled to the links for controlling the pivotal movement of the links in the base. In a first position the handle aligns the openings allowing the line to move freely through the channel, and in a second position the openings are out of alignment thereby restricting the size of the channel through which the line moves to lock the line in the channel.

Abstract: A sail line stopper is provided for controlling the hoisting and trimming of sails in which the line may be released under heavy load without abrading the line so released. A U-shaped base member having legs with a pivot pin mounted therein is adapted to be anchored on a sailboat. A cam mechanism includes an inner element having a handle attached thereto which is eccentrically mounted for pivotal movement around the pivot pin. A movable outer element is positioned for pivotal movement and a rotational movement on the eccentrically mounted inner element. One or more springs are mounted between the inner and outer elements of the cam mechanism which are acted on when relative movement takes place between the elements. The spring is compressed when the handle is pivoted placing the outer member in locking engagement with the line in the load direction which locking action is increased with increasing load; while allowing the outer member to rotate or float over the line in the other direction.