Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus (102) containing a bidirectional optical transceiver component (200), the bidirectonal optical transceiver component (200) comprising a source of optical electromagnetic radiation (208), an optical detector (214), a beamsplitter, and a combined input and output port (218). The port (218) is arranged to permit, when in use, propagation of optical electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The beamsplitter is aligned within a housing (206) with respect to the optical source (208), the optical detector (214) and the port (218) in order to direct optical electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical source (214) to the port (214) and to direct optical electromagnetic radiation received from the port (214) to the optical detector (208).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for influencing the recovery of an animal from the effects of strenuous physical activity. The compositions generally comprise about 4% to 6% readily absorbable carbohydrate; about 10% to 30% maltodextrins; about 20% to 50% starch, for a total of about 40% to 80% carbohydrate; about 20% to about 40% protein; and optionally one or more antioxidants. The methods generally comprise administering the composition to an animal within the period from about 120 minutes before initiation of or 120 minutes after completion of the physical activity.

Abstract: An image of a check may be presented for payment in a banking system in place of the physical paper check. The check to be deposited can be collected from a depositor using a scanner. A web site, accessed through a depositor's web browser, can be used to drive the process of collecting the check, but in some contexts (e.g., in less popular computing environments, such as those that do not run the most popular operating systems), it is economically infeasible to obtain the certificates that would be used to allow a program executing in the web browser to control the scanner. Thus, a depositor can be instructed to capture and upload images of the check in the form of files, where the image files are then presented for payment through a banking system.

Abstract: Described are a secure obfuscation network (SON) and ingress nodes, transit nodes and egress nodes used in such a network. Also described is a method for implementing such a network.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for influencing the recovery of an animal from the effects of strenuous physical activity. The compositions generally comprise about 4% to 6% readily absorbable carbohydrate; about 10% to 30% maltodextrins; about 20% to 50% starch, for a total of about 40% to 80% carbohydrate; about 20% to about 40% protein; and optionally one or more antioxidants. The methods generally comprise administering the composition to an animal within the period from about 120 minutes before initiation of or 120 minutes after completion of the physical activity.

Abstract: A method of forming an encoder scale for a measurement device is disclosed. The method comprises taking a laser and a substrate carrying an etch-resistant film. Parts of the etch-resistant film are removed by use of the laser, thereby forming a pattern on the substrate that defines an encoder scale, and the substrate is etched through the parts of the etch-resistant film that have been removed by the laser.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of receiving communications from a network device in a network to a source of network data and establishing a secure and/or authenticated network connection between the network device and the source that appears to the network device as a direct connection to the source of network data. Broadly conceptualized, the method and system may also include a parsing module that modifies the network data passing back and forth between the network device and the source of network data.

Abstract: A method of enhanced trans-tissue delivery of therapeutic substances including; placing an electrode in proximity to human or animal tissue covered with material of sufficient concentration of such substances; applying a voltage signal to generate plasma, preferably Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air, between the tissue and the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for improved noise reduction for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of enhancing speech in an audio signal for a hearing assistance device. An audio signal is received from a hearing assistance device microphone in a user acoustic environment, and speech components are identified and isolated from the audio signal. The speech components are harmonically enhanced in parallel with a primary path of the audio signal, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing precision marks for a metrological scale in the form of a stainless steel ribbon. A laser is used to produce ultra-short pulses which have a fluence at the ribbon such that ablation takes place. The laser light can be scanned via scanner and the pitch of the marks can be controlled. The ablative technique causes little thermal input and improves the accuracy of the scale.

Abstract: An outrigger deployment mechanism is provided. The outrigger deployment mechanism may include, one or more outrigger adjustment plates; one or more outriggers; one or more outrigger arms operably coupling the one or more outriggers to the one or more outrigger adjustment plates; one or more locking mechanisms operably engaged with at least one of the one or more outrigger adjustment plates and at least one of a corresponding one or more outrigger arms, wherein the one or more locking mechanisms are configured to lock the outriggers in various positions; and one or more adjustment mechanisms operably engaged with one or more of the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more outrigger arms, wherein the one or more adjustment mechanisms are configured to position the outriggers.

Abstract: Described are a secure obfuscation network (SON) and ingress nodes, transit nodes and egress nodes used in such a network. Also described is a method for implementing such a network.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for artificially enhancing spaciousness in a hearing aid to improve the music listening experience. Such spatial enhancement is produced by doing signal processing in the hearing aid that mimics the acoustic effects of well-designed concert halls. The same techniques can also be applied to improving the experience of listening to recorded music reproduced and amplified over a speaker system, or to music streamed to the direct-audio input of a hearing aid.

Abstract: A coordinate positioning apparatus is described. The coordinate positioning apparatus comprises a mounting surface, a motion guide mountable on the mounting surface, a first member comprising a sensor for sensing scale markings, the first member being mountable on the motion guide, and an encoder scale member comprising a first set of scale markings which are, in use, sensable by the sensor. At least part of the encoder scale member is retained between the mounting surface and the motion guide such that the encoder scale member is supported by the mounting surface at least in the vicinity of the first set of scale markings. The motion guide may be a guide rail or a bearing, for example. En encoder scale member for use with such a coordinate positioning apparatus is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of receiving communications from a network device in a network to a source of network data and establishing a secure and/or authenticated network connection between the network device and the source that appears to the network device as a direct connection to the source of network data. Broadly conceptualized, the method and system may also include a parsing module that modifies the network data passing back and forth between the network device and the source of network data.

Abstract: Tool for forming drop tube connectors for connecting between a sap producing sugar maple tree and a collection conduit by providing for the measurement, cutting and application of fixture fittings within a single unit. The cutting and fixture application features are actuated by a single operating lever. Operation of the tool can be facilitated indoors or out, allowing a single drop to be made in the field or thousands of drops to be made indoors.

Abstract: A method of making metrological scale for scale reading apparatus includes directing a laser beam onto a scale substrate (12). The laser parameters are such that the local area of the scale substrate (12) on which the laser beam is incident is caused to be displaced, thus creating scale markings (16, 20, 22).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of receiving communications from a network device in a network to a source of network data and establishing a secure and/or authenticated network connection between the network device and the source that appears to the network device as a direct connection to the source of network data. Broadly conceptualized, the method and system may also include a parsing module that modifies the network data passing back and forth between the network device and the source of network data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a combination bulk container and pallet having an assembled configuration and a collapsed configuration. In one embodiment, the combination bulk container and pallet includes: a pallet including a bottom tray, a material supporter, and a plurality of support legs positioned between the bottom tray and the material supporter; a collapsible sidewall structure having a collapsed configuration when the combination bulk container and pallet is in the collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the combination bulk container and pallet is in the assembled configuration; and a cover. When the combination bulk container and pallet is in the collapsed configuration, the cover covers the sidewall structure (which is in the collapsed configuration). When the combination bulk container and pallet is in the assembled configuration, the cover covers a material holding area defined by the sidewall structure (which is in the expanded configuration) and the material supporter.

Abstract: A method of material analysis, including; placing an electrode in proximity to the material; applying a voltage signal to generate plasma, preferably Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air, between the material and the electrode; moving the electrode relative to the surface; monitoring an electrical signal associated with the microdischarge; and detecting a change in a physical characteristic of the material through variation in the monitored signal.