Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.

Abstract: A data processing system for providing a distributed timer implements receiving a first timer message associated with a first computing device requesting creation of a first timer having a first duration and a first timer identifier; responsive to the first timer message creating a first timer, and inserting a first timer queue entry into a first timer queue associated with a first timer wait interval; receiving a plurality of second timer messages to reset the first timer; inserting a plurality of second timer queue entries into the first timer queue based on the plurality of second timer messages; and processing timer queue entries in the first timer queue responsive to the first timer wait interval having passed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for inhibiting transmission of a sexually transmitted infection that contain one or more polyanionic microbicides, such as carrageenans, including lambda carrageenan, as well as water-soluble metal salts and specified lectins. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the compositions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a tight junction between epithelial cells of an animal comprises providing the animal with a feed containing polyphenols in an amount effective to increase transmembrane protein levels between the epithelial cells thereby minimizing passage of macromolecules between the epithelial cells of the animal

Abstract: Elevator car (6) comprising an interior space (10) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, a structural ceiling (20) arranged at the top of the elevator car (6) and comprising at least one rescue opening (21), and a decorative ceiling (22) arranged below the structural ceiling (20) within the interior space (10). The decorative ceiling (22) is movable between a closed position in which it extends basically parallel to the structural ceiling (20) and at least one open position in which it extends into the interior space (10). The elevator car (6) further comprises a control element (30) which is selectively attachable to the structural ceiling (20) and to the decorative ceiling (22), respectively. The control element (30), when attached to the decorative ceiling (22), allows moving the decorative ceiling (22) between its closed position and an open position in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An on-axis aimer and distance measurement apparatus for a vision system can include a light source configured to generate a first light beam along a first axis. The first light beam can project an aimer pattern on an object and a receiver can be configured to receive reflected light from the first light beam to determine a distance between a lens of the vision system and the object. One or more parameters of vision system can be controlled based on the determined distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compounds comprising antisense oligonucleotides that regulate the splicing of NUMB. In particular, an antisense oligonucleotide for reducing inclusion of NUMB exon 9 in a population of mature NUMB transcripts is provided. The antisense oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of at least 7 nucleotides that is complementary to a target region within exon 9 of a NUMB transcript. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antisense oligonucleotide and methods of treating a proliferative disease using the compounds or compositions of the invention are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a depth of field for a reader in a vision system includes a dual aperture assembly having an inner region and an outer region. A first light source can be used to generate a light beam associated with the inner region and a second light source can be used to generate a light beam associated with the outer region. The depth of field of the reader can be controlled by selecting one of the first light source and second light source to illuminate an object to acquire an image of the object. The selection of the first light source or the second light source can be based on at least one parameter of the vision system.

Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for enhanced depth of field (DOF) advantageously used in logistics applications, scanning for features and ID codes on objects. It effectively combines a vision system, a glass lens designed for on-axis and Scheimpflug configurations, a variable lens and a mechanical system to adapt the lens to the different configurations without detaching the optics. The optics can be steerable, which allows it to adjust between variable angles so as to optimize the viewing angle to optimize DOF for the object in a Scheimpflug configuration. One, or a plurality, of images can be acquired of the object at one, or differing angle settings, with the entire region of interest clearly imaged. In another implementation, the optical path can include a steerable mirror and a folding mirror overlying the region of interest, which allows different multiple images to be acquired at different locations on the object.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for detecting and acquiring one or more in-focus images of one or more barcodes within the field of view of an imaging device. A measurement process measures depth-of-field of barcode detection. A plurality of nominal coarse focus settings of a variable lens allow sampling, in steps, of a lens adjustment range corresponding to allowable distances between the one or more barcodes and the image sensor, so that a step size of the sampling is less than a fraction of the depth-of-field of barcode detection. An acquisition process acquires a nominal coarse focus image for each nominal coarse focus setting. A barcode detection process detects one or more barcode-like regions and respective likelihoods. A fine focus process fine-adjusts, for each high-likelihood barcode, the variable lens near a location of the barcode-like regions. The process acquires an image for decoding using the fine adjusted setting.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of 3D reduced graphene oxide/Fe2O3 material includes the following steps: (i) putting in contact a graphene oxide (GO) water dispersion with an aqueous solution of iron(II) sulfate; (ii) hydrothermal treatment; and (iii) freezing the reaction product obtained in step (ii) at a temperature ??5° C.; and (iv) lyophilisation. A 3D reduced graphene oxide/Fe2O3 material is obtainable by the process and further relates to electrodes for CDI devices having the material. A method for removing ions from a fluid, like saline water, using the capacitive deionization device includes applying a voltage to the electrodes while supplying said fluid into the capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: An elevator car (6) defining an interior space (12) for accommodating passengers comprises a support frame (22) positioned on a top side of the interior space (12); a support structure (30) pivotably mounted to the support frame (22); and a working platform (28) pivotably mounted to the support structure (30). The support structure (30) is pivotable with respect to the support frame (22) and the working platform (28) is pivotable with respect to the support structure (30) between a retracted position, in which the working platform (28) and the support structure (30) are oriented close to the support frame (22), and a deployed position, in which the support structure (30) extends away from the support frame (22) towards the interior space (12) and the working platform (28) extends away from the support structure (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds useful in treating or preventing inflammation, acne, bacterial conditions and promoting the appearance of healthy skin and compositions including these compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a channel comprising device (1) comprising a channel (10) with a channel wall (15), a channel inlet (11) and a channel outlet (12), wherein the channel wall comprises a polymer (150),wherein the polymer (150) comprises an epoxy-based polymer. The invention further relates to a system (1000) comprising a Coriolis-type flow measuring device(50) comprising the channel comprising device (1) according to the invention and an actuation system (450) configured to let at least part of the channel (10) vibrate thereby causing temporary displacements. The invention, further relates a method for measuring a property of a fluid, wherein the property of the fluid is a property selected form the group consisting of a mass flow rate of the fluid and a density of the fluid.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: Multilayer electrodes and/or solid electrolytes having an OIPC cover material, and solvent-free methods for preparing the multilayers, as well as solid-state full batteries having the multilayers are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the two-dimensional reconstruction of wave fronts (104) of light for use in an optical system (100) comprising: measuring the distribution function of the light intensity in at least two images at different optical planes (101, 102) having an optical path difference. In particular this method is suitable for probing the tomographical distribution of wave fronts of electromagnetic fields with an image detector, e.g. any standard two-dimensional camera.

Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.