Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a flexible electrical connector in electrical connection with the first or second electrode at discrete points around a periphery of that electrode, the discrete points being distributed about a substantial portion of that periphery.

Abstract: A celestial navigation system includes an optical device for receiving light from a celestial object, a spectrometer for measuring a spectrum of the light in sufficient detail to identify absorption and/or emission features, and a processor for processing the spectrum to match the spectrum, or a processed version thereof, against a set of reference spectra information in a database, a device for measuring the pointing direction of the optical device and a clock. The matching may be on a maximum likelihood basis. The system is thus able, on identification of a single star, and, using commonly available navigational almanacs, to calculate a geographical position. Celestial navigation takes place even when only one celestial object (that is also within the database) is visible, although improved accuracy may be obtained with multiple observations. Advantageously, the database includes stars of the K and/or M type, that have more characteristic spectral content.

Abstract: A precious metal sheet display includes a sheet of precious metal cut into a form, and a layer of ink on the sheet such that the ink, the metal, and the form together create a recognizable image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suction head (10) for a vacuum cleaner and method of operation. The suction head (10) has a bottom surface (26) and one or more floor-engaging parts (36) adjacent to the bottom surface (26), an opening (24) in the bottom surface (26) and a rotatable brush (30) located at the opening (24). The suction head (10) has a front end (16) and a rear end (18), the front end (16) having a recess (22) in communication with the opening (24). A movable strip (42) is located in the recess (22), the movable strip (42) being movable between a first position and a second position, the bottom edge of the movable strip 4(2) being closer to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36) in its first position than in its second position. At least one first element (54) is connected to the movable strip (42) and is able to project to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36).

Abstract: A precious metal sheet display includes a sheet of precious metal cut into a form, and a layer of ink on the sheet such that the ink, the metal, and the form together create a recognizable image.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring a filter in a subsea control module (SCM) of an underwater hydrocarbon well is presented. The control system includes an upstream pressure transducer disposed upstream of a filter of the SCM and configured to sense an upstream pressure. The control system further includes a downstream pressure transducer disposed downstream of the filter and configured to sense a downstream pressure. Furthermore, the control system includes a subsea electronics module (SEM) coupled to the upstream pressure transducer and the downstream pressure transducer. The SEM is configured to determine average pressure differential values at different instances based on the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure. Moreover, the control system also includes a master control station (MCS) coupled to the SEM and configured to predict a filter maintenance generate an indication of the predicted filter maintenance due time for an operator of the underwater hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and illumination for a wheelchair are disclosed. A lighting apparatus that is configured to be integrated with a wheelchair pushrim is also disclosed. The light emitting elements are configured to project light forward and to the rear, as well as to the side of the wheel. Methods of controlling light emitting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: One method for managing encryption includes identifying an available or a secure mode. During restarts a passphrase must be entered in secure mode but not in available mode. Further, a master key is created for encrypting volume keys, where master and volume encryption keys are not stored in non-volatile memory (NVRAM) nor in disk storage. A half-key is created by encrypting the master key with a secure key, the secure key and the encrypted volume encryption keys being stored in disk storage. The half-key is stored in NVRAM only in available mode but not in secure mode. The master key is recreated during a restart when operating in the available mode by decrypting the NVRAM half-key with the secure key from disk storage. Further, the passphrase must be entered by an operator to recreate the half-key and the master key during a restart in the secure mode.

Abstract: DNA amplification methods using novel primers obtained from the novel genes hyvI and hyvII from the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus genome are useful for detecting Ca. L. species in plants and insect hosts.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: A user interface for a thermostat that controls a radiator valve can include a user input member that is movable from a home position to a set point increase or decrease position to increase or decrease a set point temperature of the thermostat. In some embodiments, a return mechanism returns the user input member to the home position after being released from one of the set point increase and decrease positions. The user interface can include an indicator panel and controller that controls the indicator panel to provide an indication of when the set point temperature of the thermostat is being adjusted. The user interface can also include a lockout controller that prevents further set point temperature adjustments using the user interface when the set point temperature differs from the environmental temperature by a specified amount.

Abstract: There is disclosed an acoustic transducer for communications within an operational bandwidth, the transducer comprising: A signal generator for generating a signal at a centre-frequency within the operational bandwidth; A piezoelectric element having a dielectric constant that varies with temperature; A driving electrode at the surface of the piezoelectric element; A matching network, having a natural frequency at a given temperature, and operable to transfer the signal from the signal generator to the piezoelectric element whilst mitigating electrical loss, the matching network being connected to the driving electrode; Wherein the matching network comprises a temperature compensating capacitor connected in parallel with the piezoelectric element, the temperature compensating capacitor being for counteracting temperature-induced changes to the dielectric constant of the piezoelectric element such that the electrical natural frequency of the transducer is substantially constant over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a transducer for acoustic communications through a series arrangement of fluid and solid media, the transducer comprising: —a signal processor configured to implement a communications scheme at and around a center frequency of at least 1 MHz; a piezoelectric element for activation in accord with the communications scheme; an electrode electrically connected to the signal processor, and being attached to the piezoelectric element; and a substrate, having the piezoelectric element mounted thereon, wherein an aspect of the electrode at the piezoelectric element is approximately equal to the acoustic wavelength of an acoustic wave in the substrate at the center frequency. There is further disclosed a remote monitoring device employing at least one of the transducers described, in concert with a further transducer. Still further, there is disclosed a method of communicating using the transducer described herein.

Abstract: In an arrangement for transmitting power or data through a solid rigid substrate without penetrating the substrate, acoustic transducer components are mounted on the substrate by means of strain isolator elements which are welded or otherwise bonded to the substrate and providing an attachment surface to which the attachment interface of the acoustic transducer may be attached. The strain isolator element is of the same or similar acoustic impedance as the rigid substrate and may indeed be formed of the same material. Various geometries of strain isolator are disclosed, including a plain spacer block, and one comprising a stalk attached to the solid rigid substrate and topped by a disc in a ‘mushroom’ configuration.

Abstract: DNA amplification methods using novel primers obtained from the novel genes hyvI and hyvII from the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus genome are useful for detecting Ca. L. species in plants and insect hosts.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring a filter in a subsea control module (SCM) of an underwater hydrocarbon well is presented. The control system includes an upstream pressure transducer disposed upstream of a filter of the SCM and configured to sense an upstream pressure. The control system further includes a downstream pressure transducer disposed downstream of the filter and configured to sense a downstream pressure. Furthermore, the control system includes a subsea electronics module (SEM) coupled to the upstream pressure transducer and the downstream pressure transducer. The SEM is configured to determine average pressure differential values at different instances based on the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure. Moreover, the control system also includes a master control station (MCS) coupled to the SEM and configured to predict a filter maintenance generate an indication of the predicted filter maintenance due time for an operator of the underwater hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed. The lighting system can include an inductor module 5320 for powering lights of the illumination ring.