Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic sensor for measuring flux density. The sensor comprises at least one tunnelling magnetoresistor, supporting circuitry and an output for outputting a signal from the tunnelling magnetoresistor. In another aspect, there is also provided a sensor probe comprising at least one magnetic sensor. A magnetic probe system is also described, comprising the probe sensor and processing circuitry. Methods of processing the output signal from the magnetic sensor are also described. In one application, the system and method allow for detection of tissue such as lymph nodes that have taken up small quantities of magnetic particles upon injection of a magnetic tracer containing the magnetic particles into a patient, and can be used to identify such tissue that could be affected by certain forms of cancer.

Abstract: Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are based on quantum cascade (QC) structures. In embodiment methods and corresponding devices, a QC layer in a wave confinement region of an integrated multi-layer semiconductor structure capable of producing optical gain is depleted of free charge carriers to create a low-loss optical wave confinement region in a portion of the structure. Ion implantation may be used to create energetically deep trap levels to trap free charge carriers. Other embodiments include modifying a region of a passive, depleted QC structure to produce an active region capable of optical gain. Gain or loss may also be modified by partially depleting or enhancing free charge carrier density. QC lasers and amplifiers may be integrated monolithically with each other or with passive waveguides and other passive devices in a self-aligned manner. Embodiments overcome challenges of high cost, complex fabrication, and coupling loss involved with material re-growth methods.

Abstract: An improved solar panel assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of sub-assemblies which are spaced from one another. Each sub-assembly has at least two torque tubes and a plurality of laterally spaced rails which are coupled with the torque tubes for supporting a plurality of solar panels or reflectors thereon. Rotation of the torque tubes about the lateral axis rotates the solar panels or the reflectors mounted on the rails. At least one torque arm is joined with and extends transversely away from one of the torque tubes of each sub-assembly. A driveshaft extends longitudinally between the sub-assemblies and is moveable in the longitudinal direction for rotating the solar panels or reflectors via the torque arms, the torque tubes and the rails. The torque tubes are generally cylindrical in shape and adjacent torque tubes of each sub-assembly are co-axially joined in an end-to-end relationship with one another.

Abstract: A radiation or reception pattern of an electronically steerable antenna is adjusted based at least partially on whether at least one device or node is mobile or static. Mobile devices are identified and a radiation pattern generated by a gateway antenna is adjusted accordingly to optimize communications between the gateway and mobile device. Movements of the mobile devices can be traced so that a radiation pattern can be further adapted as the device moves.

Abstract: A motor control center (MCC) unit for installation in a compartment of an MCC includes a frame, a bus contact assembly supported by the frame and comprising at least one moveable bus contact configured to releasably engage at least one power bus of the MCC, an auxiliary power input supported by the frame and configured to be connected to an external power source, and a control circuit supported by the frame. The MCC unit further includes an interlock circuit configured to selectively couple the control circuit to the at least one bus contact and the auxiliary power input responsive to positioning of the at least one bus contact. The interlock circuit may be configured to prevent power flow between the control circuit and the auxiliary power input when the at least one bus contact is engaged with the power bus.

Abstract: A method for a content provider to manage broadcast content including selecting content to be broadcast, determining a category of the selected content, tagging the selected content and transmitting the tagged selected content to a content aggregator for broadcasting. Also described is a method for a content aggregator to broadcast content including receiving selected content from a content provider, determining when to broadcast the selected content and determining whether to broadcast any part of the selected content prior to a schedule time and broadcasting the selected content responsive to the determining step.

Abstract: A system includes a central controller to transmit a plurality of synchronization codes through a transmission medium and a plurality of satellite controllers, each satellite controller configured to recognize one or more synchronization codes of the plurality of synchronization codes, each satellite controller comprising a synchronous clock signal generator to generate a synchronous clock signal each time the satellite controller recognizes the one or more synchronization codes of the plurality of synchronization codes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a gesture based touchscreen for control of a display. The methods and apparatus capture a reference image and identify portions of the captured image corresponding to a reference image, or corresponding to a known image portion, such as a pushbutton. The method processes portions of the captured image relative to the displayed or known image portion and generates a measure, such as a difference. The method also determines whether the measure, such as the difference, exceeds a threshold for at least some period of time, to determine whether to take some action in response to the determination.

Abstract: A real-time quantitative PCR assay that utilizes a duplex, synthetic DNA standard to ensure optimal quality assurance and quality control. One embodiment of the invention facilitates amplification of mtDNA by focusing on a 105-base pair target sequence that is minimally homologous to non-human mtDNA. The present invention can also be used to identify the presence of PCR inhibitors and thus indicate the need for sample repurification.

Abstract: There is taught herein a system and method for creating an improved seismic source signal by applying a feedback mechanism, active adaptive control, to perturb a resonator device configuration on the fly so as to ensure that the overall trajectory of the sweep is correctly produced, even though the precise details of each oscillation of the source are still not constrained. An embodiment teaches a method for adjusting the squeeze piston or tow depth of a resonant piston seismic source to bring the resonant frequency to a desired value. As a consequence, the resulting seismic signal is improved as compared with seismic signals acquired via resonators that do not utilize the instant teachings.

Abstract: A motor control center (MCC) unit for installation in a compartment of an MCC includes a frame, a bus contact assembly supported by the frame and comprising at least one moveable bus contact configured to releasably engage at least one power bus of the MCC, an auxiliary power input supported by the frame and configured to be connected to an external power source, and a control circuit supported by the frame. The MCC unit further includes an interlock circuit configured to selectively couple the control circuit to the at least one bus contact and the auxiliary power input responsive to positioning of the at least one bus contact. The interlock circuit may be configured to prevent power flow between the control circuit and the auxiliary power input when the at least one bus contact is engaged with the power bus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of proteins which bind the dendritic cell marker known as Clec9A. The present invention provides new compounds for targeting therapeutic agents such as antigens to dendritic cells. Also provided are methods of modulating a humoral and/or T cell mediated immune response to the antigen, methods of delivery of a cytotoxic agent to dendritic cells thereof involved in diseased states, methods of modulating the uptake and/or clearance of cells with a disrupted cell membrane, cells infected with a pathogen, dying cells or dead cells, or a portion thereof, and methods of modulating antigen recognition, processing and/or presentation, as well as immune responses to material derived from cells with a disrupted cell membrane, cells infected with a pathogen, dying cells or dead cells, or a portion thereof.

Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy instrument with a light source for providing a beam of light, a modulator to produce a modulated beam of light, a high finesse optical cavity, means for injecting the modulated beam of light off-axis into the high finesse optical cavity and a detector positioned to receive and measure light exiting through said optical cavity. The detector may be a highly sensitive and high bandwidth detector. The modulator may be a one or two-tone modulator having means, such as a plurality of RF synthesizers, for modulating the light source by one or two tones. If one tone of applied modulation is used, the frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical. In the case where two tones are used, the first frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical and the second frequency is small relative to the first frequency.

Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing, at least one spring-loaded bread tray, one or more heating elements, a bread tray retaining mechanism, a bread tray partial retaining mechanism, and a lifter arm slot. The bread tray is movable between an up position and a down position and is biased toward the up position. The bread tray retaining mechanism selectively retains the bread tray in the down position while the toasting operation is in progress and releases the bread tray from the down position when the toasting operation is complete. The bread tray partial retaining mechanism selectively retains the bread tray in a position between the down position and the up position after the bread tray is released by the bread tray retaining mechanism. In one embodiment, the lifter arm slot comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being wider than the upper portion.

Abstract: A method enables a user to pause or stop content reproduction in one viewing room, and resume content reproduction in another viewing room according to a timing condition. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method is used in a system including first and second video devices, and includes steps of: receiving by the first video device while playing back a program, a first control signal to interrupt the playback; enabling display of a message by the second video device for a predetermined time interval asking a viewer whether to continue playback of the program by the second video device; receiving by the second video device a second control signal within the predetermined time interval to continue playback of the program; and enabling playback of the program by the second video device in response to the second control signal.

Abstract: A compact seismic source for seismic acquisition generating a humming signal includes a casing and a low-frequency reciprocating drive. The casing defines a fluid tight chamber and comprises a first casing section and a second casing section of roughly equal mass. The drive is disposed within the fluid tight chamber and, in operation, reinforces the natural reciprocating oscillation of the first and second casing sections relative to one another at a low seismic frequency. In one aspect, this action omni-directionally radiates the low frequency, humming seismic signal. On another aspect, the compact seismic source is substantially smaller than the wavelength of the low seismic frequency. Such a compact source may be deployed to omni-directionally radiate a low frequency, humming seismic signal during a seismic survey.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy from passing traffic on a floor unit. The system includes an assembly to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy and a converter to regulate and store the electrical energy. The assembly generates electricity by converting both the upward and downward motion, received from passing traffic above the movable surface. The generated energy is stored in a dual-stage electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A method for controlling trajectory in a resonant marine seismic source comprises: controlling the source frequency and controlling the motion trajectory. Controlling the source frequency includes: estimating the source frequency from its internal state and the state of its environment; deriving a frequency error as the difference between the estimated frequency and the frequency of the desired trajectory; and driving the frequency error to zero. Controlling the motion trajectory includes: detecting a motion trajectory of the source; deriving a motion trajectory error as the difference between the desired motion trajectory and detected motion trajectory; and driving the motion trajectory error to zero.

Abstract: A single axis solar tracker assembly for supporting and controllably rotating a plurality of solar panels is provided. The solar tracker assembly includes a plurality of sub-assemblies which are spaced from one another in a first direction and are operably coupled with a driveshaft that is moveable in the first direction. Each sub-assembly includes at least one torque tube which extends in a second direction and torque arm which is operably coupled with the at least one torque tube. Each sub-assembly further includes a connector which operably connects the torque arm with the driveshaft for rotating the at least one torque tube in response to movement of the driveshaft in the first direction. The connector is pivotably coupled with the torque arm and non-pivotably coupled with the driveshaft and extends in a vertical direction to provide for an increased vertical distance between the torque arm and the driveshaft.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device is described herein. The wearable electronic device includes a housing for the wearable electronic device. A display is supported by the housing. The wearable electronic device also includes a colorimeter comprising a sensor to sense a first color. The colorimeter is to display on the display a second color corresponding to the sensed first color.