Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and include a computer terminal located at a flooring store that receives a measured color of a flooring product. A server receives paint product catalog information from a computer system located at a coating manufacturer facility, determines paint colors that coordinate with the flooring product based on the paint product catalog information, and runs a paint product ordering application that interacts with a web browser of the computer terminal. The computer terminal receives a paint product ordering web page from the server that enables a user to create an order for a paint product based on a selected paint color and transmits the order to the server. The server receives the order and communicates the order to the computer system at the coating manufacturer facility. The computer system receives the order for order fulfillment, including creating, packing, and shipping the paint product to the user.

Abstract: This document describes improvements in range and reliability for wireless mesh networks implementing IEEE 802.11 networking technologies. Reducing the number of spatial streams, N, to a lower value at middle and far distance ranges using an optimized rate control algorithm, preemptively trades off a lower throughput limit for a higher link budget. This higher link budget provides longer range and higher RF link reliability by using an N×N spatial diversity of MIMO RF channels for maximizing link budget instead of network throughput.

Abstract: A system and method for removing or installing wind turbine blades, comprising a single spreader-type bar fitted with specialized end units with rotatable chain and/or cable for supporting the blade at two or more lift points. The inventive device allows for a single-crane lift of a wind turbine blade, with the ability to remotely control and fine tune the level and pitch of the blade during all portions of the lifting, lowering, installation and/or removal operations.

Abstract: An improved drywall finishing system is comprised of a container, a powdered compound and an applicator, and several methods of applying the compound to a drywall surface via the applicator. The first method of the system involves applying the compound to a drywall surface via the applicator to detect rough, un-sanded, or improperly sanded areas that can then be re-sanded as needed. Further, the second method of the system involves applying the compound to a drywall surface wherein the powder adheres to any high spots, low spots, or imperfections in the surface, wherein said spots can be re-sanded as needed.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade lifting device is provided, comprising a backing member adapted to contact an interior surface of a wind turbine blade; a connector rod having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is rotatably connected to the backing member; a cover plate connected to the connector rod, wherein the cover plate includes an alignment member; a primary lifting shackle rotatably connected to a base member engaged with the connector rod; and a securing nut threadably connected to the upper end of the connector rod. One or more spacers are positioned around the connector rod between the cover plate and an exterior blade surface. The device preferably includes a holding tool connectable to the upper end of the connector rod. The cover plate preferably includes one of more secondary shackles to enable engagement with other rigging equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for removing or installing wind turbine blades, comprising a single spreader-type bar fitted with specialized end units with rotatable chain and/or cable for supporting the blade at two or more lift points. The inventive device allows for a single-crane lift of a wind turbine blade, with the ability to remotely control and fine tune the level and pitch of the blade during all portions of the lifting, lowering, installation and/or removal operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a blade for a wind turbine is provided, comprising a first set of cable guides mounted within the nacelle, and a second set of cable guides positioned on an exterior surface of the rotor hub. An upper pulley block is suspended from a first hub flange and a second hub flange, wherein the upper pulley block is positioned above a third hub flange in a position for accepting the blade. A winch is positioned at a ground level, and the winch contains a lifting cable guided by the cable guides, and then reeved through the upper pulley block and a lower pulley block on a blade holding bracket, allowing the lower pulley block to be raised and lowered relative to the upper pulley block. The blade holding bracket attaches to the root end of the blade, and the lower pulley block is allowed to pivot and swivel relative to the blade holding bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved drywall finishing system. The system is comprised of a container, a powdered compound and an applicator, and several methods of applying the compound to a drywall surface via the applicator. The first method of the system involves applying the compound to a drywall surface via the applicator to detect rough, un-sanded, or improperly sanded areas that can then be re-sanded as needed. Further, the second method of the system involves applying the compound to a drywall surface wherein the powder adheres to any high spots, low spots, or imperfections in the surface, wherein said spots can be re-sanded as needed.

Abstract: A device for removal and installation of a pitch bearing on a wind turbine having a plurality of blades is provided, comprising a platform having a frame, wherein the platform includes a first bearing attachment member on a first side of the frame, and having a first pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; a second bearing attachment member on a second side of the frame, and having a second pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; and a rigging member attached to the frame, wherein the rigging member includes at least one cable bracket adapted to receive a lifting cable. A method of removal and installing a pitch bearing using the platform is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided related to a news-editing environment that may facilitate expedited editing, creation, and dispatching of news headlines. Articles are acquired from a plurality of information sources, preprocessed, and then queued for creation of a headline by one or more editors. Metadata may also be associated with an article, a headline, or both. Once a headline has been composed, the editor dispatches it, and the headline may subsequently be send to one or more consumers.

Abstract: A device for removal and installation of a pitch bearing on a wind turbine having a plurality of blades is provided, comprising a platform having a frame, wherein the platform includes a first bearing attachment member on a first side of the frame, and having a first pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; a second bearing attachment member on a second side of the frame, and having a second pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; and a rigging member attached to the frame, wherein the rigging member includes at least one cable bracket adapted to receive a lifting cable. A method of removal and installing a pitch bearing using the platform is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided related to a news-editing environment that may facilitate expedited editing, creation, and dispatching of news headlines. Articles are acquired from a plurality of information sources, preprocessed, and then queued for creation of a headline by one or more editors. Metadata may also be associated with an article, a headline, or both. Once a headline has been composed, the editor dispatches it, and the headline may subsequently be send to one or more consumers.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a blade for a wind turbine is provided, comprising a first set of cable guides mounted within the nacelle, and a second set of cable guides positioned on an exterior surface of the rotor hub. An upper pulley block is suspended from a first hub flange and a second hub flange, wherein the upper pulley block is positioned above a third hub flange in a position for accepting the blade. A winch is positioned at a ground level, and the winch contains a lifting cable guided by the cable guides, and then reeved through the upper pulley block and a lower pulley block on a blade holding bracket, allowing the lower pulley block to be raised and lowered relative to the upper pulley block. The blade holding bracket attaches to the root end of the blade, and the lower pulley block is allowed to pivot and swivel relative to the blade holding bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided related to a news-editing environment that may facilitate expedited editing, creation, and dispatching of news headlines. Articles are acquired from a plurality of information sources, preprocessed, and then queued for creation of a headline by one or more editors. Metadata may also be associated with an article, a headline, or both. Once a headline has been composed, the editor dispatches it, and the headline may subsequently be send to one or more consumers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to control signal phase in a radio device includes a phase rotator configured to control a phase of a local oscillator. A phase error determination module is configured to determine phase error information based on received in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) (IQ) signal values. A phase correction module is configured to derive from the received IQ signal values a correction signal and apply the correction signal to the phase rotator in a path of the local oscillator.

Abstract: A sub-harmonic mixer includes a first transistor having a source and a drain and a second transistor having a source connected to the source of the first transistor and a drain connected to the drain of the first transistor. A mixing transistor is configured to be biased in a linear operating region. The mixing transistor includes a drain coupled to the sources of the first transistor and the second transistor. The mixing transistor has its drain driven by a signal at twice a local oscillator (LO) frequency and its gate driven by a radio frequency (RF) signal while the mixing transistor is biased in the linear region such that a process of frequency doubling and mixing are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A digital image capturing system and method are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a processing engine that performs digital image processing functions like noise reduction, gain control, white balance and others. In one embodiment, the image capturing system may have a first image sensor operable to capture a first view of a scene and a second image sensor operable to capture a second and different view of the scene. A selector may be employed to selectively route either the first view information or the second view information onto the processing engine. In preferred embodiments, the sensors may be CMOS sensors and, as such, relatively inexpensive. By allowing two inexpensive sensors to share image processing electronics, an image capturing system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be able to offer compelling functional characteristics at a reasonable price.

Abstract: A differential cross-coupled power combiner in one aspect comprises a plurality of inputs, an output, a plurality of differential transmission lines each coupled between a corresponding one of the inputs and the output, and at least one set of additional differential transmission lines arranged in series between any two of the inputs. First and second ones of the additional differential transmission lines in the set are coupled to one another using a cross-coupling arrangement. Other aspects of the invention provide a differential cross-coupled power divider, communication system receivers and transmitters incorporating respective power combiners and dividers, and integrated circuit implementations of power combiners and dividers.

Abstract: A circuit includes an amplifier having an input and an output; and at least one transistor comprising at least one terminal and at least one isolated well. The input of the amplifier is electrically connected to the at least one terminal of the transistor; and the output of the amplifier is electrically connected to the at least one isolated well of the at least one transistor.

Abstract: Radio frequency integrated circuits with on-chip noise source for use in the performance of tests and/or calibrations. A radio frequency integrated circuit includes at least one noise source residing on the radio frequency integrated circuit, the noise source being controllable by a digital input, and a radio frequency circuit residing on the radio frequency integrated circuit and being coupled to the noise source, wherein at least one attribute of the radio frequency circuit is determinable by controlling the noise source via the digital input.