Abstract: A method for caching an electronic program guide on a portable device commences by downloading channel information and program information to the portable from a local cache when the local cache contains relevant information. However, if the local cache lacks such information, the portable device downloads the channel information and program information from a server. The portable devices then builds a channel index and a program index from the downloaded channel information and program information, respectively to establish the electronic program guide on the portable device.

Abstract: A calibration method and apparatus for surgical antennas arranged to deliver microwave radiation into biological tissue. An emitting region of the antenna is exposed to a plurality of calibration standards having different complex impedances at the treatment frequency. Calibration standards are created in a short-circuit-terminated waveguide cavity of variable length. In another variation, each calibration standard is a different mixture of liquids. Measurement of the magnitude and phase of signals reflected from the emitting region when exposed to the calibration standard permits calibration of the antenna; Also disclosed is a tissue treatment apparatus having an ablation channel for conveying microwave radiation to a surgical antenna at a high power level, with a separate measurement channel for conveying radiation at a low power level. A surgical antenna having an impedance transformer for matching a coaxial feed structure that terminates in radiating elements with tissue to be treated is also disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration method and apparatus for surgical antennas which are arranged to deliver microwave radiation (e.g. having a treatment frequency of 500 MHz to 100 GHz) into biological tissue is disclosed. An emitting region of the antenna is exposed to a plurality of calibration standards each having a different complex impedance at the treatment frequency. In one embodiment the calibration standards are created in a short-circuit-terminated waveguide cavity of variable length. In another embodiment, each calibration standard is a different mixture of two or more liquids. Measurement of the magnitude and phase of signals reflected from the emitting region when exposed to the calibration standard can permit calibration of the antenna, e.g. by generating a mapping function based on the measured values and known or reference values for the calibration standards.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the concentration of a chemical substance in a fluid comprise a micro-fluidic elongated channel formed in a substrate, with the channel being in fluid-flow communication with an ambient region along its elongated dimension. In general, the fluid includes first and second chemical substances having different vapor pressures. The apparatus includes an evaporation controller for increasing the evaporation rate of the fluid from the channel into the ambient region, thereby increasing the concentration of the lower vapor pressure (LVP) substance in the portion of the fluid remaining in the channel and increasing the concentration of the higher vapor pressure (HVP) substance in the portion of the fluid evaporated into the ambient region.

Abstract: A grip attachment for an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, which enables a user to grasp and control a camera of the mobile phone with one hand. The grip attachment includes a main body and an enlarged grip extension attached to a first end of the main body. The enlarged grip extension is sized and shaped to enable a user's hand to hold the grip extension and attached mobile phone with one hand. The grip attachment also includes a locking mechanism for attaching the attachment grip to a portion of a mobile phone protective case. A second end of the grip extension includes a connector for interfacing with a connector of the mobile phone. The grip extension includes an external control located on an outer surface of the grip attachment for activating a camera control of the mobile phone.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling the illumination throughout an area where even and constant lighting is not required. The invention includes one or more light sources, such as luminaires, the status of which is controlled by a controller responsive to a sensor for detecting a parameter of interest. Preferably the sensor detects motion of a subject moving through the area of controlled illumination. Each independent controller may receive and transmit signals indicative of the status of one or more nearby light source for determining and controlling the lighting status of the light source with which it is in controlling communication. The determining by the controller is preferably carried out by a programmed microprocessor. The communication between controllers may be wireless. The signals communicated among controllers may be hierarchical for determining whether a response is required and what the response might be.

Abstract: A grip attachment for an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, which enables a user to grasp and control a camera of the mobile phone with one hand. The grip attachment includes a main body and an enlarged grip extension attached to a first end of the main body. The enlarged grip extension is sized and shaped to enable a user's hand to hold the grip extension and attached mobile phone with one hand. The grip attachment also includes a locking mechanism for attaching the attachment grip to a portion of a mobile phone protective case. A second end of the grip extension includes a connector for interfacing with a connector of the mobile phone. The grip extension includes an external control located on an outer surface of the grip attachment for activating a camera control of the mobile phone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the concentration of a chemical substance in a fluid comprise a micro-fluidic elongated channel formed in a substrate, with the channel being in fluid-flow communication with an ambient region along its elongated dimension. In general, the fluid includes first and second chemical substances having different vapor pressures. The apparatus includes an evaporation controller for increasing the evaporation rate of the fluid from the channel into the ambient region, thereby increasing the concentration of the lower vapor pressure (LVP) substance in the portion of the fluid remaining in the channel and increasing the concentration of the higher vapor pressure (HVP) substance in the portion of the fluid evaporated into the ambient region.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a discontinuity within a non-biological element located within a biological structure, the apparatus comprising: a microwave energy source; a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit the microwave energy into the biological structure; a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted microwave energy; an antenna carrier arranged to have the first and second antenna affixed thereon and including means for moving the first and second antenna with respect to the biological structure; and a signal processing unit coupled to the second antenna arranged to determine the phase and/or magnitude response of the received microwave energy as a function of the position of the antennas with respect to the biological structure and provide an indication of the location of the discontinuity within the non-biological element according to the phase and/or magnitude response.

Abstract: Tissue classifying apparatus in which forward microwave radiation (e.g. having a frequency 500 MHz to 60 GHz) is supplied from a source (108) along a first transmission path to a probe (116) which delivers it into tissue to be classified. The probe (116) receives reflected radiation from the tissue. The reflected radiation is delivered to a detector (178) along a second transmission path via a circulator (198) which isolates the forward radiation from the second transmission path. The detector has a input which is switchable between the reflected radiation from the second transmission path and a reference signal derived from the forward radiation, wherein detected magnitude and phase information of the reflected radiation to classify the tissue can be compensated for drift in magnitude and phase of the forward radiation by comparison with detected magnitude and phase information of the reference signal.

Abstract: A calibration method and apparatus for surgical antennas which are arranged to deliver microwave radiation (e.g. having a treatment frequency of 500 MHz to 100 GHz) into biological tissue is disclosed. An emitting region of the antenna is exposed to a plurality of calibration standards each having a different complex impedance at the treatment frequency. In one embodiment the calibration standards are created in a short-circuit-terminated waveguide cavity of variable length. In another embodiment, each calibration standard is a different mixture of two or more liquids. Measurement of the magnitude and phase of signals reflected from the emitting region when exposed to the calibration standard can permit calibration of the antenna, e.g. by generating a mapping function based on the measured values and known or reference values for the calibration standards.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a discontinuity within a non-biological element located within a biological structure, the apparatus comprising: a microwave energy source; a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit the microwave energy into the biological structure; a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted microwave energy; an antenna carrier arranged to have the first and second antenna affixed thereon and including means for moving the first and second antenna with respect to the biological structure; and a signal processing unit coupled to the second antenna arranged to determine the phase and/or magnitude response of the received microwave energy as a function of the position of the antennas with respect to the biological structure and provide an indication of the location of the discontinuity within the non-biological element according to the phase and/or magnitude response.

Abstract: An contiguous inverted shelf kick flashing apparatus is provided and includes a sheet of metal folded at a first angle along a bend joint to form a first sheet face and a second sheet face, and an inverted shelf bent inward at an second angle from the bend joint at a point of shelf inversion, along an inverted shelf edge, having a first and second triangular faces at an third angle to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for improving planning, scheduling, and supply chain management. Embodiments of the invention can provide some or all of the following: improved systems and methods for determining an optimal lot size, improved systems and methods for determining optimal WIP levels, improved systems and methods for an inventory advisor module, improved systems and methods for integrating functionality of a lot sizer and WIP module and an inventory module, improved systems and methods for implementing multi-echelon inventory analysis, and improved systems and methods for partitioning planning information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for classifying and/or ablating tissue. By directing microwave radiation through a probe (5) into tissue (6) and detecting the amplitude and phase of radiation reflected back through the probe and a reference signal, the tissue type can be classified. An impedance tuner which is actuated by magnetostrictive material (800) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample acquisition apparatus for sampling first and second signals within a signal processing arrangement, includes a sampler for capturing sections of the waveforms of both the first and second signals, a switch for alternating correction of the sampler to a point in the arrangement where said first signal can be sampled and a point in said arrangement where said second signal can be sampled. A timer for timing the operation of the switch causes the sampler to capture a first waveform section of the first signal and a second waveform section of the second signal, wherein the second signal is responsive to the first signal and the timing of the switch is such that the second section includes a portion that has been generated in response to the first section.

Abstract: An infusion container (30) for use with a brewer (20). The infusion container (30) includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder (30). Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder (30). The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder (30).

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controllably adjusting characteristics of a beverage produced by a beverage system. The characteristics of the beverage may include the strength, flavor, concentration of various flavor components as well as other characteristics. A control is provided for access by a user to adjust the characteristics to a desired level. The user may increment or decrement the level of the characteristics in response to personal preferences. The control provides an interface to control the beverage system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the concentration of a chemical substance in a fluid comprise a micro-fluidic elongated channel formed in a substrate, with the channel being in fluid-flow communication with an ambient region along its elongated dimension. In general, the fluid includes first and second chemical substances having different vapor pressures. The apparatus includes an evaporation controller for increasing the evaporation rate of the fluid from the channel into the ambient region, thereby increasing the concentration of the higher vapor pressure (HVP) substance in the portion of the fluid remaining in the channel and increasing the concentration of the lower vapor pressure (LVP) substance in the portion of the fluid evaporated into the ambient region.