Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a service broker framework or device and associated methods and non-transitory machine-readable storage media including a communications interface; a memory storing: a user profile associated with a user and specifying an input type available from a sensor device of the user, wherein the input type is a physiological parameter of the user, and service records associated with respective services and identifying respective input types and servers that provide the services; and a processor configured to: receive, from the user via the communications interface, a request to add a service identified by a service record indicates that the input type specified by the user profile is accepted by the service as an input, effect transmission of data gathered by the sensor device of the user and of the input type identified by the service record to a server identified by the service record.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a caregiver module is provided for use with a patient medical device, including a sensor to obtain a sensor signal related to the use of the patient medical device; an analog-to-digital converter to convert the sensor signal to corresponding sensor data; and a controller to transmit the sensor data to a wearable device, wherein the sensor data is transmitted in the same form as created by the converter. Various embodiments provide a wearable device for processing sensor data received from the caregiver module, including: memory storing processing instructions for interpreting sensor data of multiple types; and a processor to: receive configuration information associated with the caregiver module, receive sensor data of a first type from the caregiver module, and execute the processing instructions based on the configuration information, wherein the configuration information alters the operation of the processing instructions to interpret sensor data of the first type.

Abstract: An overlay for a light source which the shape of the overlay imitates a real flame with multiple tips. When the overlay is placed over a light, the overlay appears like a real flame.

Abstract: The problem caused by the time consuming and potentially damaging process of applying a standard masking to the neck of a stringed instrument is solved by providing a strip of polymer material having slots formed therethrough and being complementarily configured to receive the frets while covering at least a portion of the neck to prevent damage to the neck in the fret filing process. Optionally, a non-permanent adhesive is provided on one side of the strip. This invention provides a fast means and method for applying a masking to a stringed instrument neck, that does not require a high level of expertise, while fully protecting the neck during the fret filing process.

Abstract: Fret Dressing Masks: In the manufacturing of guitars and other fretted stringed instruments, it is necessary to file level, after installation, the 20 or more metal frets which are inserted across the wood neck. This is not a job which can be performed by machines and requires the hand work of instrument craftsmen. To accomplish this operation without damaging the neck of the instrument, several layers of paper masking tape have historically been applied. This is a time consuming, expensive process. Fret Dressing Masks are a disposable tool, approximately twenty-two inches long, cut from thick vinyl, and have slots/windows-cut and registered to fit around the frets. In one motion, they are applied to protect the neck instead of masking tape. This process takes less than two minutes, which is one tenth of the time of the current task. Once the filing process is complete, the Fret Dressing Masks can be removed in seconds.

Abstract: A data receiver, which could be an optical transceiver, a modem, a router hub, is capable of detecting the transmission rate of incoming data. The data is converted to electrical waves appropriate for passive or active bandpass filtering. The frequencies at which the waves are filtered are determined from a plurality of known possible transmission rates and are chosen as having the most detectable difference in the power spectra. By implementing a filter at the corresponding frequency(ies), data having that (those) frequency(ies) will be transmitted. A signal detector then can receive a signal transmitted through the filter and determine the corresponding data rate. It is further contemplated that the multiple frequencies can be filtered by using stages of filters and signal detectors for different frequencies or by filters and detectors capable of multiple frequency operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method enable a host system to read a signal or signals that are proportional to the output power and/or the bias of a laser in a fiber optic link connected to that host system without breaking that link. By reading one or more of these signals and being aware of the laser characteristics, the “health” of the laser is known and the integrity of the link is maintained. Consequently, the host system has a predictive tool which is able identify substandard lasers and replace them before a serious, and potentially costly, data disruption occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus, circuit arrangement and method enable a host system to read a signal that is proportional to the peak-to-peak optical power incident on a transceiver at one end of a fiber optic link without breaking that link. By reading this signal and being aware of the characteristics of the laser, the “health” of the laser is known and the integrity of the link is maintained. Consequently, the host system has a predictive tool that is able identify substandard lasers so that such lasers can be replaced before serious, and potentially costly, data disruptions occur.

Abstract: A flex cable has a number of conductive wirings for electrically coupling electrical leads of an electrical component to a wiring board. The flex cable has a conductive tab for electrically coupling one of the conductive wirings to one of the leads. The flex cable is bendable to form an essentially horizontal portion and an essentially vertical portion. The conductive tab is disposed at a transition between the horizontal portion and the vertical portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, circuit arrangement and method enable a host system to read a signal that is proportional to the peak-to-peak optical power incident on a transceiver at one end of a fiber optic link without breaking that link. By reading this signal and being aware of the characteristics of the laser, the “health” of the laser is known and the integrity of the link is maintained. Consequently, the host system has a predictive tool that is able identify substandard lasers so that such lasers can be replaced before serious, and potentially costly, data disruptions occur.

Abstract: A flex cable has a number of conductive wirings for electrically coupling electrical leads of an electrical component to a wiring board. The flex cable has a conductive tab for electrically coupling one of the conductive wirings to one of the leads. The flex cable is bendable to form an essentially horizontal portion and an essentially vertical portion. The conductive tab is disposed at a transition between the horizontal portion and the vertical portion.

Abstract: A data receiver, which could be an optical transceiver, a modem, a router hub, is capable of detecting the transmission rate of incoming data. The data is converted to electrical waves appropriate for passive or active bandpass filtering. The frequencies at which the waves are filtered are determined from a plurality of known possible transmission rates and are chosen as having the most detectable difference in the power spectra. By implementing a filter at the corresponding frequency(ies), data having that (those) frequency(ies) will be transmitted. A signal detector then can receive a signal transmitted through the filter and determine the corresponding data rate. It is further contemplated that the multiple frequencies can be filtered by using stages of filters and signal detectors for different frequencies or by filters and detectors capable of multiple frequency operation.

Abstract: A protective coating is utilized to protect the silicon during a wet chemical etch step in the process of making a micromachine, thereby preventing the formation of etched holes or pits in the micromachine. In another embodiment, silicon sacrificial pedestals are used to eliminate or greatly reduces the electrical potential difference between metal on the glass substrate and the silicon, thereby eliminating arcing and the resulting damage to silicon and metal. These pedestals may be removed after the anodic bond.

Abstract: A mechanism for converting linear displacement of a piston to angular displacement of a shaft by positioning a cam in a recess of a unitary piston which is adapted for positioning by differential fluid forces applied to opposite ends of the piston. To provide a linear displacement drive for a shaft positioned to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the piston, a cam profile consisting of two symmetrical, opposite and identical involutes is employed.