Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting and measuring motion from images capture during capsule endoscopy in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an endoscope system configured to generate a spatial index of images captured along a passageway includes a processor and a camera configured to capture a plurality of images as the camera moves along a passageway, wherein the processor is configured to compare sets of at least two images from the plurality of images, determine motion of the camera along the passageway using the sets of at least two images, determine the distance the camera traveled along the passageway at the point at which an image in each of the sets of at least two images was captured, and generate a spatial index for the plurality of images by associating distances traveled along the passageway with the images.

Abstract: A graphene layer is formed on a crystallographic surface having a non-hexagonal symmetry. The crystallographic surface can be a surface of a single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer. The non-hexagonal symmetry surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer is annealed at an elevated temperature in ultra-high vacuum environment to form the graphene layer. During the anneal, the semiconductor atoms on the non-hexagonal surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer are evaporated selective to the carbon atoms. As the semiconductor atoms are selectively removed, the carbon concentration on the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer increases. Despite the non-hexagonal symmetry of the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer, the remaining carbon atoms can coalesce to form a graphene layer having hexagonal symmetry.

Abstract: A single crystalline silicon carbide layer can be grown on a single crystalline sapphire substrate. Subsequently, a graphene layer can be formed by conversion of a surface layer of the single crystalline silicon layer during an anneal at an elevated temperature in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. Alternately, a graphene layer can be deposited on an exposed surface of the single crystalline silicon carbide layer. A graphene layer can also be formed directly on a surface of a sapphire substrate or directly on a surface of a silicon carbide substrate. Still alternately, a graphene layer can be formed on a silicon carbide layer on a semiconductor substrate. The commercial availability of sapphire substrates and semiconductor substrates with a diameter of six inches or more allows formation of a graphene layer on a commercially scalable substrate for low cost manufacturing of devices employing a graphene layer.

Abstract: A surface of a single crystalline semiconductor-carbon alloy layer having a surface normal along or close to a major crystallographic direction is provided by mechanical means such as cutting and/or polishing. Such a surface has naturally formed irregular surface features. Small semiconductor islands are deposited on the surface of single crystalline semiconductor-carbon alloy layer. Another single crystalline semiconductor-carbon alloy structure may be placed on the small semiconductor islands, and the assembly of the two semiconductor-carbon alloy layers with the semiconductor islands therebetween is annealed. During the initial phase of the anneal, surface diffusion of the semiconductor material proceeds to form vicinal surfaces while graphitization is suppressed because the space between the two semiconductor-carbon alloy layers maintains a high vapor pressure of the semiconductor material.

Abstract: A graphene layer is formed on a crystallographic surface having a non-hexagonal symmetry. The crystallographic surface can be a surface of a single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer. The non-hexagonal symmetry surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer is annealed at an elevated temperature in ultra-high vacuum environment to form the graphene layer. During the anneal, the semiconductor atoms on the non-hexagonal surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer are evaporated selective to the carbon atoms. As the semiconductor atoms are selectively removed, the carbon concentration on the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer increases. Despite the non-hexagonal symmetry of the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer, the remaining carbon atoms can coalesce to form a graphene layer having hexagonal symmetry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and mosaicking images of one or more surfaces of a collapsed cavity are described. A number of embodiments are capable of performing mosaicking in real time. Many embodiments are configured to perform multiple passes during motion estimation and/or registration to improve the quality of the resulting mosaic(s).

Abstract: A network spanning heterogeneous call center system and method of operation is disclosed. A particular illustrative system is for use with a circuit-switched private branch exchange and a packet-switched private branch exchange. This system includes a circuit-switched private branch exchange interface, a packet-switched private branch exchange interface, and a processor. The circuit-switched private branch exchange interface is to communicate with the circuit-switched private branch exchange, and the packet-switched private branch exchange interface is to communicate with the packet-switched private branch exchange. The processor is coupled to the circuit-switched private branch exchange interface and to the packet-switched private branch exchange interface.

Abstract: A plural component polymer grout plant device for mixing, batching and distributing a multiple component polymer having a filler additive. The polymer grout plant device comprises a frame, at least two primary mixing containers, two batching containers, attached to the frame, a pump assembly operatively attached to the batching containers, and a distribution system operatively attached to the pump assembly. Each batching container includes a floor and distribution opening space from the floor for the removal of the individual components and filler of the polymer. The pump assembly is designed to transport the components and filler of the polymer from the batching containers to the distribution system wherein the distribution system combines the polymer components and distributes the polymer to the desired location.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrophobic polyolefinic membranes for gas exchange via thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation is disclosed. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system, of a compound A and a compound B having a viscosity less than 60 mPa s, is extruded to form a shaped object. The compound A is a solvent and compound B preferably a non-solvent of the polymer, and the boiling point of compound A is at least 50° C. higher than that of compound B. After the shaped object leaves the die, at least one surface thereof is subjected to an atmosphere promoting evaporation of compound B, and the shaped object is subsequently cooled until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the quantity of a liquid, such as crude oil, transferred to or from a storage tank with all measurements being taken through an opening near the bottom of the tank. A water detecting probe is extendable through the opening a selected distance below the opening in order to detect the presence of water at a selected level below the opening and generate a detection signal. A sampling device is connectable to the opening for taking samples of the liquid transferred to or from the tank. A pressure sensor is connected to the opening for generating a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of the liquid in the tank. A computer is provided for using the pressure signal to generate a level signal indicative of the level of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A rate adaptive pacemaker and method of operation, where the sensor-indicated rate is adjusted as a function of sensed sinus rate. The pacemaker is particularly adapted for VDDR operation. The natural sinus rate is compared to the sensor-indicated rate at one or more rates, and the sensor response function is adjusted, or adapted as a function of such comparisons, so as to optimize sensing of the atrial rate and maintenance of synchronous operation. The rate response function may be adjusted specifically at upper pacing limit, and may also be adjusted as a function of comparisons made at other rates.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the quantity of a liquid, such as crude oil, transferred to or from a storage tank with all measurements being taken through an opening near the bottom of the tank. A water detecting probe is extendable through the opening a selected distance below the opening in order to detect the presence of water at a selected level below the opening and generate a detection signal. A sampling device is connectable to the opening for taking samples of the liquid transferred to or from the tank. A pressure sensor is connected to the opening for generating a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of the liquid in the tank. A computer is provided for using the pressure signal to generate a level signal indicative of the level of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing high strength and hard metallic composite layer materials by connecting several metal layers with one another, includes forming the metal layers as flat products by rolling from a metal with low base strength, alloying and hardening the flat products over their whole cross-section with a metalloid by heat treatment in a metalloid containing gas atmosphere, then connecting the flat products with one another by diffusion welding. As metalloids preferably nitrogen, boron and carbon are used. Diffusion welding is performed by hot isostatic pressure method.