Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: receiving a first plurality of digital codes from a TDC; generating a coarse histogram from the first plurality of digital codes; detecting a peak coarse bin from the plurality of coarse bins; after receiving the first plurality of digital codes, receiving a second plurality of digital codes from the TDC; and generating a fine histogram from the second plurality of digital codes based on the detected peak coarse bin, where a fine histogram depth range is narrower than a coarse histogram depth range, where a lower fine histogram depth is lower or equal to a lower coarse peak depth, and where a higher fine histogram depth is higher or equal to a higher coarse peak depth.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes at least one photodetector configured to be reverse biased at a voltage exceeding a breakdown voltage by an excess bias voltage. At least one control unit is configured to adjust the reverse bias of the at least one photodetector. A method of operating an optical sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, surgical instruments, and associated systems of performing orthopaedic surgical procedures on a patient's knee are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical instrument for use in a knee replacement surgical procedure includes assembling a ligament balancer instrument assembly by selecting from a number of differently sized tibial paddles and femoral paddles and thereafter securing the assembled ligament balancer instrument assembly to a distraction instrument.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a first handle with first and second end regions connected to and fixed relative to first and second mounts on a wall, respectively. A second handle extends longitudinally between third and fourth end regions, with the third end region connected to the first end region of the first handle. The first and second handles each have surfaces for grasping by a user. A position of the second grab bar is adjustable relative to the first grab bar by at least one of one of pivoting the second grab bar about the longitudinal axis of the first grab bar, pivoting the second grab bar about a horizontal axis adjacent to the first end region of the first grab bar, and sliding the second grab bar along the first grab bar. A method of installing the handle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, systems, and methods of performing orthopaedic surgical procedures on a patient's knee are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of operating a surgical instrument and performing a surgical procedure are disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, systems, and methods of performing orthopaedic surgical procedures on a patient's knee are disclosed.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a first handle with first and second end regions connected to and fixed relative to first and second mounts on a wall, respectively. A second handle extends longitudinally between third and fourth end regions, with the third end region connected to the first end region of the first handle. The first and second handles each have surfaces for grasping by a user. A position of the second grab bar is adjustable relative to the first grab bar by at least one of one of pivoting the second grab bar about the longitudinal axis of the first grab bar, pivoting the second grab bar about a horizontal axis adjacent to the first end region of the first grab bar, and sliding the second grab bar along the first grab bar. A method of installing the handle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A linkage guides a flexible cable between two structures. The linkage includes a proximal arm with a proximal pivot joint for coupling the proximal arm to a first one of the two structures; and a distal arm which is coupled to the proximal arm by one or more intermediate pivot joints. The distal arm is shaped to follow a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length. Shaping the distal arm to form a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length enables the distal arm to pass through a relatively small aperture as the linkage is adjusted between its retracted and extended positions. It also enables the proximal arm to move in a locus of movement which does not interfere with other system components. The linkage can be used to guide a flexible cable between any two structures, for instance a fixed aircraft wing and a slat.

Abstract: A linkage guides a flexible cable between two structures. The linkage includes a proximal arm with a proximal pivot joint for coupling the proximal arm to a first one of the two structures; and a distal arm which is coupled to the proximal arm by one or more intermediate pivot joints. The distal arm is shaped to follow a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length. Shaping the distal arm to form a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length enables the distal arm to pass through a relatively small aperture as the linkage is adjusted between its retracted and extended positions. It also enables the proximal arm to move in a locus of movement which does not interfere with other system components. The linkage can be used to guide a flexible cable between any two structures, for instance a fixed aircraft wing and a slat.

Abstract: A method for simulating the statistical behavior of atmospheric, meteorological, or other geophysical time series having the following steps: (a) assembling an ensemble of observed data; (b) removing any evident cycles; (c) calculating the eigensystem and expansion coefficient according to the Loève theorem; (d) determining the distribution of said coefficients; (e) generating a larger set of coefficients based on the statistical distribution determined in step (d); and (f) using this larger distribution to create an ensemble of simulated atmospheric, meteorological, or other geophysical time series. The procedure can be used to develop a wide variety of climate statistics, including probabilities of severe events such as cold snaps or heat waves covering specific geographic regions and lasting for various periods of time. It can also be used to provide an evolving conditional estimate of the probabilities of extensive climate deviations persisting until the end of a month, season, or other period.

Abstract: Lightweight, small antennas are described that have decreased material and fabrication/processing cost. The antennas may be used in consumer electronics products such as cellular phones, laptops and PDA's. Some of the antennas and fabrication techniques also provide lower part count and increased reliability. All antennas are fabricated with standard materials currently available in high volume production.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) inductive shorted patch antenna includes a direct current inductive (DCL) frequency selective surface (FSS) forming the radiating element, a ground plane, a feed, and a radio frequency (RF) short to the ground plane positioned between the feed and the radiating element.

Abstract: Lightweight, small antennas are described that have decreased material and fabrication/processing cost. The antennas may be used in consumer electronics products such as cellular phones, laptops and PDA's. Some of the antennas and fabrication techniques also provide lower part count and increased reliability. All antennas are fabricated with standard materials currently available in high volume production.

Abstract: A method of making a product which is generally impervious to water including the steps of making a generally homogenous mixture of slate particles and clay, wetting the mixture as necessary to produce a formable composition, forming the wet mixture to a desired configuration, at least partially drying the formed mixture and subjecting the dried formed mixture to a temperature of at least 1100° C. for a time sufficient for at least some of the clay to convert into a binder to bind together the slate particles.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) inductive shorted patch antenna includes a direct current inductive (DCL) frequency selective surface (FSS) forming the radiating element, a ground plane, a feed, and a radio frequency (RF) short to the ground plane positioned between the feed and the radiating element.

Abstract: A method of making a product such as a tile which comprises the steps of making a generally homogenous mixture of slate particles and clay powder, wetting the mixture as necessary to produce a formable composition, forming the wet mixture to a desired configuration, at least partially drying the formed wet mixture and subjecting the dried formed mixture to a temperature of at least 1100° C. for a time sufficient for at least some of the clay to convert into a binder to bind together the slate particles.