Abstract: A lighting control system for a wheel of a vehicle, the lighting control system including a brush configured to statically mount to a body of the vehicle; a hub for the wheel; and a plurality of arcuate contacts statically mounted to the hub, each of the plurality of contacts comprising an arc angle measure of less than 360 degrees, the plurality of contacts configured to rotate relative to the brush, each contact operable between: a connected mode wherein the contact is electrically connected to the brush during rotation relative to the brush and a disconnected mode wherein the contact is electrically disconnected from the brush during rotation relative to the brush.

Abstract: In apparatus for the acoustic transmission of power or data through a solid barrier such as a ships hull, assembly of an acoustic transducer to the hull is facilitated by bonding it first to an intermediate element by a thin layer of bonding adhesive and then bonding the intermediate element to the barrier using a second bonding layer. Acoustic matching of the transducer to the intermediate element is achieved by the thin layer, and the mechanically more robust base of the intermediate element can be rubbed on the barrier surface to displace or abrade away any unwanted debris or imperfections which might otherwise prevent the achievement of a thin second bonding layer. This makes the mounting and bonding process more tolerant of imperfections in the barrier surface due to either surface defects or particulate contamination. The transmit and receive transducers may be positioned relative to each other so as to suppress or attenuate multiple-transit signals.

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.

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: In apparatus for the acoustic transmission of power or data through a solid barrier such as a ships hull, assembly of an acoustic transducer to the hull is facilitated by bonding it first to an intermediate element by a thin layer of bonding adhesive and then bonding the intermediate element to the barrier using a second bonding layer. Acoustic matching of the transducer to the intermediate element is achieved by the thin layer, and the mechanically more robust base of the intermediate element can be rubbed on the barrier surface to displace or abrade away any unwanted debris or imperfections which might otherwise prevent the achievement of a thin second bonding layer. This makes the mounting and bonding process more tolerant of imperfections in the barrier surface due to either surface defects or particulate contamination. The transmit and receive transducers may be positioned relative to each other so as to suppress or attenuate multiple-transit signals.

Abstract: In one nonlimiting example, an automated system is provided for separating one or more components in a biological fluid, wherein the system comprises: (a) a centrifuge comprising one or more bucket configured to receive a container to effect said separating of one or more components in a fluid sample; and (b) the container, wherein the container includes one or more shaped feature that is complementary to a shaped feature of the bucket.

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

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for supplying hydraulic fluid to a subsea control module of a control system for an underwater hydrocarbon well, the hydraulic circuit including an input for hydraulic fluid, a filter connected with the input for filtering hydraulic fluid from the input, an output for supplying hydraulic fluid from the filter to the subsea control module, first sensing means for sensing pressure of hydraulic fluid from the input upstream of the filter, second sensing means for sensing pressure of hydraulic fluid downstream of the filter, and a subsea electronics module in the subsea control module, the subsea electronics module being coupled with the first and second sensing means and being adapted to produce an indication related to a hydraulic fluid pressure differential across the filter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transducer apparatus for acoustic communications through a substrate at a predetermined centre frequency, the apparatus comprising: —an active piezoelectric element for generating an acoustic signal; an intermediate layer, having a surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element, and having a first array of protrusions on a surface opposite the surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element; and a second array of protrusions at the substrate, wherein the active piezoelectric element is mounted onto the intermediate layer, and the intermediate layer is secured in position relative to the substrate such that the first array of protrusions faces the second array of protrusions such that the acoustic signal may propagate through the first and second arrays. There are further disclosed a method of mounting such an apparatus and a plate suitable for use in the transducer apparatus.

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.

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: Compositions that include antimicrobial agents and biodegradable delivery vehicles adapted to enter a cell and release the antimicrobial agents in the cell as they biodegrades. Also provided are compositions that include first and second delivery vehicles including first and second antimicrobial agents, wherein the first delivery vehicles are adapted to release the first antimicrobial agents at a rate that differs from that at which the second delivery vehicles release the second antimicrobial agents, articles of manufacture that include one or more biodegradable delivery vehicles, and methods of making and using the compositions to treat intracellular and/or extracellular infections are disclosed.

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 centre 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 centre 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: 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 lighting control system for a wheel of a vehicle, the lighting control system including a brush configured to statically mount to a body of the vehicle; a hub for the wheel; and a plurality of arcuate contacts statically mounted to the hub, each of the plurality of contacts comprising an arc angle measure of less than 360 degrees, the plurality of contacts configured to rotate relative to the brush, each contact operable between: a connected mode wherein the contact is electrically connected to the brush during rotation relative to the brush and a disconnected mode wherein the contact is electrically disconnected from the brush during rotation relative to the brush.

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 production control system for an underwater well, comprises: first electrically operated means for supplying first hydraulic fluid, for opening a first control valve of the well; second electrically operated means, for supplying second hydraulic fluid at a higher pressure than said first fluid, for opening a further control valve of the well; electronic circuitry (SEM1) for providing electrical power for operating said first and second means; and means for controlling the sequence of closing said control valves as a result of a loss of electrical power from said electronic circuitry. The controlling means comprises: electrical power storage means; detection means responsive to said loss of power from said electronic circuitry; and means coupled with said detection means for using electrical power from said storage means to keep said further control valve open for a period after closure of said first control valve and close it after said period.

Abstract: In one nonlimiting example, an automated system is provided for separating one or more components in a biological fluid, wherein the system comprises: (a) a centrifuge comprising one or more bucket configured to receive a container to effect said separating of one or more components in a fluid sample; and (b) the container, wherein the container includes one or more shaped feature that is complementary to a shaped feature of the bucket.