Abstract: The present disclosure provides method and apparatus for detection of airborne particulates. Liquid droplets comprising reagents capable of reacting with particulates whereby to produce emitted light are introduced to an air flow comprising particulates, whereupon the particulates and liquid droplets agglomerate thereby producing the emitted light. The light is detected by a suitable detector (7), and agglomeration may be enhanced by application of an oscillating electric field (6). The disclosure is particularly concerned with detection of biological particulates.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle having a receiver operable to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters includes a processor and a memory device. The memory device has stored thereon machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to determine a set of error estimates corresponding to delta pseudo-range measurements derived from the plurality of signals, determine an error covariance matrix for a main navigation solution, and, using a parity space technique, determine at least one protection level value based on the error covariance matrix.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle having a receiver operable to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters includes a processor and a memory device. The memory device has stored thereon machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to determine a set of error estimates corresponding to delta pseudo-range measurements derived from the plurality of signals, determine an error covariance matrix for a main navigation solution, and, using a solution separation technique, determine at least one protection level value based on the error covariance matrix.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle having a receiver operable to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters includes a processor and a memory device. The memory device has stored thereon machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to determine a set of pseudo-range measurements derived from the plurality of signals, employing at least one Kalman filter process, determine from the measurements an error covariance matrix for a main navigation solution, and using a solution separation technique, determine at least one protection level value based on the error covariance matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to enhance decision making capabilities of a user of a mobile device, the method having the steps of: receiving, at the mobile device, information related to the cost of mobile services; and communicating an indication of the cost of mobile services to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-channel blocking, the method having the steps of: creating a block filter to block a plurality of communication channels to a mobile device; communicating the block filter to a blocking element; and executing the blocking filter at the blocking element.

Abstract: A data management device and library are provided for organizing, holding, and providing electrical connectivity to multiple memory cards. The data management device can comprise a device body, a plurality of sockets to accommodate the data storage media, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. Data can be retrieved from or transferred to the selected memory cards utilizing the device. The data management library can be utilized to interconnect multiple devices and can be daisy chained to other libraries.

Abstract: A berm system for retaining water in flood areas and erosion prevention means against wind and wave action and the like. The berm system basically is obtained of high density polyethylene defining a front side portion, a rear side portion and a top; at least a part of said top of the berm adapted for traction; and a means for holding the berm in place at the center and lap joints. The berm system is adapted for use in conjunction with existing or built earth/sand berms or can also be used on its own without any further earth/sand berm for barrier against flood, or erosion resulting from wind and/or wave action. The berm system is simple and cost effective and can be installed very fast in various flood areas as well as regions requiring erosion control.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is detailed. The precipitator includes a conduit for the passage of particles in an air flow and a generator of an electrostatic field substantially orthogonal to the air flow, and an ion supply, capable of charging the particles, in which the generator includes a point electrode and a two dimensional surface electrode. The plane surface electrode includes an ion source and the point electrode includes a counter electrode and the counter electrode is earthed.

Abstract: A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an optical monitoring or transmitting light guide and a resulting apparatus that begins by bonding a bundle of optical fibers together using an epoxy and polishing the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers to create an optical aperture. The ratio of fiber size to binder particulate size of the epoxy used in the bonding process is sufficient to maintain the integrity of the bundle of optical fibers during the polishing of the distal end. The method positions the bundle of optical fibers into a protective sheath and a connector. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the epoxy used in the bonding process matches that of the connector. Once assembled, the invention positions the connector through the opening in the surface of a device, such that the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers is either recessed in, substantially flush with, or extends from the surface of the device through which the connector extends, depending on field-of-view requirements.

Abstract: A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: A data management device and library are provided for organizing, holding, and providing electrical connectivity to multiple memory cards. The data management device can comprise a device body, a plurality of sockets to accommodate the data storage media, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. Data can be retrieved from or transferred to the selected memory cards utilizing the device. The data management library can be utilized to interconnect multiple devices and can be daisy chained to other libraries.

Abstract: Optimizing data rates for video services on a broadband network. Different data rates can be delivered to a subscriber premises depending on the size of the display screen connected to a set-top box, the type of content being requested, or whether there is real-time viewing. Therefore, the data rate can be optimized to maximize the number of video streams that can be delivered to any one subscriber without causing a perceived reduction in video picture quality.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (24) includes an anode (42) defining a target. A cathode assembly (40) is in operative relationship with the anode to produce x-rays (56). An evacuated envelope (35) encloses the anode and cathode. The evacuated envelope includes a metal frame portion (39). The material comprising the metal frame portion has a backscatter coefficient. An x-ray transmissive window (41) is joined in a vacuum tight manner to the metal frame portion of the evacuated envelope. The material comprising the x-ray transmissive window has a backscatter coefficient. A backscatter layer (90) is deposited on the x-ray transmissive window and the metal frame portion of the evacuated envelope around the x-ray transmissive window. The backscatter layer has a backscatter coefficient greater than the backscatter coefficient of both of the window and the metal frame.

Abstract: An interface connection between a fiberscope and an ocular includes a post and a bore that form a male and female connector between the fiberscope and the ocular. The post and bore also include a helical slot and a pin that fits to secure the post within the bore. In another aspect of the invention, a holder including an elastic C-shaped connector is releasably secured to an ocular.

Abstract: An apparatus including a handle; a first tubular body coupled to the handle and a second tubular body comprising a polymer material coupled to a distal end of the first tubular body and the distal end defining a guide face, wherein the first tubular body and the second tubular body are co-linearly aligned and collectively define a first lumen therethrough extending from an entry port to the guide face; wherein the second tubular body has a dimension adequate for insertion into a uterus of a human subject, and wherein the guide face comprises an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the second tubular body. Also, a method of using a hysteroscope having a single operating channel.

Abstract: A pallet is disclosed for use with an order picker truck equipped with a pair of tines and a pallet clamp between the tines. The pallet has a deck with upper and lower surfaces, first and second tine channels on the lower surface, first and second tine clamps, and an actuator means in communication with the tine clamps. The actuator means is movable between an open and closed position by the order picker truck pallet clamp, whereby moving the actuator to the closed position moves the tine clamps to the clamping position. A spring in communication with the tine clamps urges the clamps towards their retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscope has a fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.

Abstract: A stabilizing jack (10) for securement to the underside of a recreational vehicle. The jack includes a channel frame (25) formed with longitudinal trunnion flanges. A longitudinal screw (50) is rotatably mounted in the channel and drives a trunnion (38) that rides between the trunnion flanges (22a, 22b). A support leg (30) is rotatably connected to the trunnion. Rotation of the screw drives the trunnion towards an outboard end of the jack and lowers the support leg to its supporting position.