Abstract: A vapor deposition method for preparing a multi-layered thin film structure comprises providing a vapor source of each component element of a compound intended for a first layer and a compound intended for a second layer, wherein the vapor sources comprise at least a source of lithium, a source of oxygen, a source or sources of one or more glass-forming elements, and a source or sources of one or more transition metals; heating a substrate to a first temperature; co-depositing component elements from at least the vapor sources of lithium, oxygen and the one or more transition metals onto the heated substrate wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form a layer of a crystalline lithium-containing transition metal oxide compound; heating the substrate to a second temperature within a temperature range of substantially 170° C.

Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.

Abstract: A vapour deposition method for preparing a crystalline lithium-containing transition metal oxide compound comprises providing a vapour source of each component element of the compound, including at least a source of lithium, a source of oxygen, and a source or sources of one or more transition metals; heating a substrate to between substantially 150° C. and substantially 450° C.; and co-depositing the component elements from the vapour sources onto the heated substrate wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form the crystalline compound.

Abstract: A vapour deposition method for preparing a multi-layered thin film structure comprises providing a vapour source of each component element of a compound intended for a first layer and a compound intended for a second layer, wherein the vapour sources comprise at least a source of lithium, a source of oxygen, a source or sources of one or more glass-forming elements, and a source or sources of one or more transition metals; heating a substrate to a first temperature; co-depositing component elements from at least the vapour sources of lithium, oxygen and the one or more transition metals onto the heated substrate wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form a layer of a crystalline lithium-containing transition metal oxide compound; heating the substrate to a second temperature within a temperature range of substantially 170° C.

Abstract: A robotic gripper. Each of two gripper fingers is attached to a bearing carriage. Each bearing carriage defines a rack gear and is adapted to ride on a bearing rail. A single pinion gear has two gear elements. Each of the two gear elements are meshed with one of the two rack gears so as to drive the two bearing carriages in opposite direction upon rotation of the pinion gear. A worm gear is fixed to the single pinion gear. A worm screw is meshed to the worm gear and adapted to cause rotation of the worm gear and the single pinion gear and a gripping action or a releasing action of the two gripping fingers, depending on the rotation of the worm screw. A motor is adapted to drive the worm screw in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction.

Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.

Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.

Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.

Abstract: A robotic gripper. Each of two gripper fingers is attached to a bearing carriage. Each bearing carriage defines a rack gear and is adapted to ride on a bearing rail. A single pinion gear has two gear elements. Each of the two gear elements are meshed with one of the two rack gears so as to drive the two bearing carriages in opposite direction upon rotation of the pinion gear. A worm gear is fixed to the single pinion gear. A worm screw is meshed to the worm gear and adapted to cause rotation of the worm gear and the single pinion gear and a gripping action or a releasing action of the two gripping fingers, depending on the rotation of the worm screw. A motor is adapted to drive the worm screw in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction.

Abstract: A device for inspecting microscopic objects. A plurality of LEDS is arranged in an array underneath a lens. Some of the LEDS are lighted and some of the LEDS are unlighted. A computer is in control of the LED array. The computer turns on selected LEDS from the array to form the lighted LEDS. Also, the computer turns off selected LEDS from the array to form the unlighted LEDS. The lighted LEDS form a pattern of lighted LEDS underneath the lens. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is connected to a computer controlled camera and the microscopic objects are microscopic crystals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implemented on a computing device to generate competition data. An index value for each competitor is generated which provides for a comparative evaluation of competitors.

Abstract: A device for inspecting microscopic objects. A plurality of LEDS is arranged in an array underneath a lens. Some of the LEDS are lighted and some of the LEDS are unlighted. A computer is in control of the LED array. The computer turns on selected LEDS from the array to form the lighted LEDS. Also, the computer turns off selected LEDS from the array to form the unlighted LEDS. The lighted LEDS form a pattern of lighted LEDS underneath the lens. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is connected to a computer controlled camera and the microscopic objects are microscopic crystals.

Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.