Abstract: The tensile force sensor comprises at least one strain gauge in a tension piece comprising a central rectilinear segment and two folds at an angle, significantly thicker than the central rectilinear segment. The strain gauge is arranged in said central rectilinear segment in such a manner that a traction force on the fastening ends of the tension piece results in a U-shaped buckling of the central rectilinear segment. The invention also comprises a processing module connected to the strain gauge, adapted to detect and process as data the elastic deformations caused in the central rectilinear segment by the longitudinal stresses generated by traction on the fastening ends of the tension piece. The invention allows a portable and low cost wireless sensor to be produced.

Abstract: An automated machining apparatus has a lathe, a mill, and a workpiece holder that holds a plurality of workpieces to be machined. The workpiece holder includes a rotatable turret that has a plurality of workpiece mounting positions for mounting the plurality of workpieces to be machined to the rotatable turret. A controller in operable communication with the workpiece holder is operable to rotate the rotatable turret sequentially through different workpiece mounting positions according to program instructions that define machining operations to be performed on the plurality of workpieces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laryngoscope composed by a standard blade (18) equipped with an optical fiber and is articulated in the pin (17) located in the laryngoscope head (41); the main body (42), were are all the electronic components and sensors are installed being closed by the handle cover (43). The laryngoscope has wireless communication capability and can communicate with a remote computer or other portable devices where a designed application is used to monitoring, visualization and recording all acquired data. The device has an inertial unit (24) to determine its spatial orientation according to the three main axis. The sound or/and visual alarms (13, 1) correspondent to an eventual excessive force compared to a certain predefined level are available in the laryngoscope handle head (41) or in the remote0 computer or mobile device. The laryngoscope includes also a LED to illuminate oral cavity, with variable intensity according to the user needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method with biofeedback for training muscles of the pelvic floor, applicable to the treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and prolapse of pelvic organs, using a portable electronic device for capturing, by means of sensors, EMG signals relating to abdominal activity and the area to be treated during muscle exercises, said device providing results visually and/or acoustically, the method comprising: placing a vaginal or rectal sensor (10) and two sensors (11) in the lower abdominal area, performing exercises working the muscles of the pelvic floor, providing evaluation of the exercises performed and storing results. The user places the sensors herself, the device evaluating the correct placement of the sensors indicating to the user that the suitable position has been reached through said acoustic and/or visual means, and performing a step prior to the exercises for acquiring muscle tone.

Abstract: A fuse element, in particular suited for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, including a printed circuit board substrate material, which is usable particularly in the multilayer technology and is coated with a metal or metal alloy from which the fuse is generated by means of photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, is proposed. The fuse is distinguished in that the printed circuit board substrate material, on which the fuse can be provided, includes at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material, with a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially analogously to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy from which the fuse is made.

Abstract: The present invention describes a reinforcing filler for rubber comprising the synergistic combination of precipitated silica with a pore structure defined by a maximum between 25 nm and 35 nm, a total pore volume between 1.3 cm3/g and 1.6 cm3/g, and a compression factor between 1.3 10?2 and 2.3 10?2 MPa?1, and at least one crystalline alkaline silicate corresponding to the general formula of the crystalline alkaline silicates, said crystalline alkaline silicate being swelled and/or layered in the presence of an organic cationic compound in the form of ammonium salt of the +NR4 type according to the formula [CnH2n+1N(CH3)3]+. The rubber formulation obtained by this reinforcing filler composition does present a great reduction of energy dissipated in the tread without compromising the abrasion resistance and elastic modulus properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods for print head calibration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may include scanning an image on a print media to obtain an optical density profile. The method may also include selecting at least one window in the optical density profile. The method may also include generating an average profile for each window. The method may also include identifying variations in uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention describes a reinforcing filler for rubber comprising the synergistic combination of precipitated silica with a pore structure defined by a maximum between 25 nm and 35 nm, a total pore volume between 1.3 cm3/g and 1.6 cm3/g, and a compression factor between 1.3 10?2 and 2.3 10?2 MPa?1, and at least one crystalline alkaline silicate corresponding to the general formula of the crystalline alkaline silicates, said crystalline alkaline silicate being swelled and/or layered in the presence of an organic cationic compound in the form of ammonium salt of the +NR4 type according to the formula [CnH2n+1N(CH3)3]+. The rubber formulation obtained by this reinforcing filler composition does present a great reduction of energy dissipated in the tread without compromising the abrasion resistance and elastic modulus properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system designed to determine an individual's state of attention from an individual's respiratory signal. The method of the invention comprises a first learning step, wherein the characteristics of an individual's normal state are determined by selecting a respiratory signal fragment that is considered to be normal according to a pre-established criterion, and a second analysis phase, wherein the individual's state of attention is determined from parameters extracted from the respiratory signal on the basis of some pre-defined rules and the individual's normal state previously characterised. The method of the invention is implemented in two embodiments. A first embodiment is based on the identification of pre-defined patterns in the respiratory signal and, in the second embodiment, an index indicative of the variability of the respiratory signal is defined.

Abstract: Equipment for inspecting persons and luggage for accessing restricted areas which comprises a machine for controlling the content of hand luggage, preferably an X-Ray machine; a walk through gate detector for detecting the presence of metal objects on persons; an admission conveyor for trays with luggage disposed at the entrance of an X-Ray machine; the walk through gate detector being located upstream the X-Ray machine to create a personal inspection area with access to the admission conveyor; a collection conveyor for collecting the trays containing luggage and personal objects, disposed at the outlet of the X-Ray machine; and a secondary conveyor disposed parallel to the collection tray conveyor, to re-direct the trays with suspicious luggage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible cationic nanogel comprising a polymer network, said polymer network comprising polymer units interconnected with one another through a cross-linking agent, wherein said polymer network can be obtained by polymerizing N-vinylcaprolactam and a cross-linking agent in a dispersed medium, in the presence of a cationic initiator and a cationic or non-ionic emulsifier. The invention also relates to methods for obtaining the mentioned nanogels as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

Abstract: A process for obtaining white sugar from e.g. sugar cane by treating the crude sugar juice with acid activated bentonite preferably selected from the group of smectites, whereby the acid activated bentonite mixture replaces the traditional environmental unfriendly sulfitation process. The acid-activated clay together with polyaluminium salts, and preferably phosphoric and/or sulfuric acid allows obtaining a high quality white sugar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low pressure water filter and dispenser system for use in a refrigerator which enables an effluent from said system exhibiting a log 6 bacteria reduction and a log 4 virus reduction with pressures as low as 0.35 kg/cm2 (5 psi). The system can be located in various places, for example it can sit on the shelf, it can be mounted to the ceiling of the refrigerator, or it can be attached to the wall or other internal components.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one physiological parameter of a driver, pilot or transport of defence vehicle or system operator, comprising: a) injecting or inducing current into said individual; b) measuring in said individual an electrical parameter indicating their impedance, comprising: b1) measuring the electrical parameter with at least two pairs of injector-detector electrodes; b2) determining the impedance signal from the electrical parameter measured; b3) from amongst the impedance signals determined, identifying those with a physiological origin; and b4) selecting the pair of electrodes that produce the best quality impedance signal; and c) obtaining said physiological parameter from the best quality impedance signal.

Abstract: A fuse element (10), in particular suited for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, including a printed circuit board substrate material (11), which is usable particularly in the multilayer technology and is coated with a metal or metal alloy (15), from which metal or metal alloy the fuse (12) is generated by means of photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, is proposed. The fuse (10) is distinguished in that the printed circuit board substrate material (11), on which the fuse (12) can be provided, includes at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material, with a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially analogously to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy (15) from which the fuse (12) is made.

Abstract: A surgical portal assembly is provided and includes a portal housing and a portal member mounted to the portal housing. The portal member dimensioned for positioning within tissue to access an underlying surgical site. The portal housing and portal member define a central longitudinal axis and a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object. A seal mount is mounted to the portal housing and includes first and second seal members. Each of the first and second seal members has inner surfaces defining a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed reception. The first seal member adapted for angulating movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical object. The second seal member being generally fixed from angulating movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system designed to determine an individual's state of attention from an individual's respiratory signal. The method of the invention comprises a first learning step, wherein the characteristics of an individual's normal state are determined by selecting a respiratory signal fragment that is considered to be normal according to a pre-established criterion, and a second analysis phase, wherein the individual's state of attention is determined from parameters extracted from the respiratory signal on the basis of some pre-defined rules and the individual's normal state previously characterised. The method of the invention is implemented in two embodiments. A first embodiment is based on the identification of pre-defined patterns in the respiratory signal and, in the second embodiment, an index indicative of the variability of the respiratory signal is defined.

Abstract: The biocompatible microgels comprises a polymeric network, said polymeric network comprising monomeric units interconnected with one another through a crosslinking agent, wherein said polymeric network can be obtained by polymerization in a dispersed medium of a biocompatible vinyl monomer and a crosslinking agent. The microgel may further comprise a biologically active agent. Said biocompatible microgels can be used, among other applications, to transport and dose biologically active agents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for print head calibration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may include scanning an image on a print media to obtain an optical density profile. The method may also include selecting at least one window in the optical density profile. The method may also include generating an average profile for each window. The method may also include identifying variations in uniformity.