Abstract: A display system includes and image-guiding substrate with input and/or output structures configured to improve image quality.

Abstract: A beam combiner includes a first beam-input face, a beam-output face, and first and second reflectors. The first beam-input face receives first and second beams of electromagnetic energy respectively having a first and second wavelengths. The first reflector reflects the first received beam toward the beam-output face, and the second reflector passes the first beam from the first reflector and reflects the received second beam toward the beam-output face. In one alternative, the first beam-input face also receives a third beam of electromagnetic energy having a third wavelength, the beam combiner includes a third reflector that reflects the received third beam toward the beam-output face, and the first and second reflectors pass the third beam from the third reflector.

Abstract: A target activated sensor including a magnet, a magnetic field sensing element located proximate the magnet and a single ferrous pole located proximate the sensing element. The sensing element senses a change in magnetic field caused by the presence of a target. The magnet, sensing element and single pole piece may be combined in a single package.

Abstract: A beam combiner includes a first beam-input face, a beam-output face, and first and second reflectors. The first beam-input face receives first and second beams of electromagnetic energy respectively having a first and second wavelengths. The first reflector reflects the first received beam toward the beam-output face, and the second reflector passes the first beam from the first reflector and reflects the received second beam toward the beam-output face. In one alternative, the first beam-input face also receives a third beam of electromagnetic energy having a third wavelength, the beam combiner includes a third reflector that reflects the received third beam toward the beam-output face, and the first and second reflectors pass the third beam from the third reflector. In another alternative, the beam combiner includes a second beam-input face that receives a third beam directed toward the beam-output face, and the first and second reflectors pass the third beam.

Abstract: A multi-standard connection hub includes a housing (110) having a first surface (111), a second surface (112) spaced apart from the first surface, and a sidewall (113) extending between the first surface and the second surface. The multi-standard connection hub further includes a first connection port (120) at the first surface and a second connection (210) port at the sidewall. The first connection port operates according to a first standard and the second connection port operates according to a second standard.

Abstract: A point-of-sale and declining balance (“POS/DB”) system, and method of facilitating transactions thereon, that utilizes a relay server to facilitate communication between front-end devices and back-end devices that use different data formats. The relay server acts as a translator between the front-end device and the back-end account servers. In one embodiment, a standardized data format for front-end device is introduced that, when coupled with the relay server, isolates the front-end devices from the complexities of various back-end account servers. In one aspect, the invention is the relay server itself.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting a phase error between a clock signal and a beam position includes a beam generator, a sensor, and a phase detector. The beam generator directs a beam toward a beam sweeper in response to the clock signal, and the sensor detects the beam as directed from the beam sweeper. The phase detector determines from the detected beam the error in the clock phase relative to the beam position. Such a circuit can automatically detect the phase error in the pixel clock and correct this error, thus eliminating the need for a manual phase-error corrector. The circuit may also be able to adjust the width and/or the height of a scan region, and thus may also be able to adjust the width and/or height of an image frame within the scan region.

Abstract: A beam combiner includes a first beam-input face, a beam-output face, and first and second reflectors. The first beam-input face receives first and second beams of electromagnetic energy respectively having a first and second wavelengths. The first reflector reflects the first received beam toward the beam-output face, and the second reflector passes the first beam from the first reflector and reflects the received second beam toward the beam-output face. In one alternative, the first beam-input face also receives a third beam of electromagnetic energy having a third wavelength, the beam combiner includes a third reflector that reflects the received third beam toward the beam-output face, and the first and second reflectors pass the third beam from the third reflector.

Abstract: A target activated sensor including a magnet, a magnetic field sensing element located proximate the magnet and a single ferrous pole located proximate the sensing element. The sensing element senses a change in magnetic field caused by the presence of a target. The magnet, sensing element and single pole piece may be combined in a single package.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a filter comprises a filtering media. The filtering media is impregnated with chemical compounds that effectively retain water molecules and water-alcohol molecules but not alcohol molecules. The filter also comprises a liquid channeling structure, wherein the liquid channeling structure directs liquid entering an input of the filter to flow through the filtering media before exiting an output of the filter.

Abstract: A position sensor including a sensor assembly adapted to mount to a first rail of an automotive seat rail assembly. The sensor assembly includes a Hall device and a magnet. The assembly is mountable to the first rail to cause a first output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a first position relative to a second rail of the automotive seat rail assembly, and to cause a second output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a second position relative to the second rail.

Abstract: A position sensor including a sensor assembly adapted to mount to a first rail of an automotive seat rail assembly. The sensor assembly includes a Hall device and a magnet. The assembly is mountable to the first rail to cause a first output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a first position relative to a second rail of the automotive seat rail assembly, and to cause a second output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a second position relative to the second rail.

Abstract: A scan assembly of an image generator sweeps an image beam in a first dimension at a first rate and bi-directionally in a second dimension at a slower rate. Sweeping the beam bi-directionally in the vertical dimension (generally the dimension of the lower sweep rate) can reduce the scanning power by eliminating the flyback period, and, where the scan assembly includes a mechanical reflector, can reduce the error in the beam position without a feedback loop by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function. Furthermore, because the image beam is “on” longer due to the elimination of the flyback period, the scanned image is often brighter for a given beam intensity. The scan assembly may also sweep the image beam non-linearly in the vertical dimension, and this sweep may be bi-directional or uni-directional. Sweeping the beam non-linearly can also reduce the error in the beam position by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function.

Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid beverages from a container. The closure (10) contains a outlet passage (14) which is open at both ends. Within outlet passage (14) there is a membrane (13) which denies communication between the interior of the container and the flow opening (15). When external suction is applied to the end of outlet passage (14), membrane (13) sealingly disengages from circumferential seal member (12). This allows the contained beverage to egress through the flow opening (15). When the external suction is removed, membrane (13) automatically sealingly engages with circumferential seal member (12).

Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid from a container (12). The closure (10) contains a recessed channel (11) which forms an outlet passage (13) when the closure (10) is attached to the container (12). When the container (12) is overturned, the liquid will begin to flow into the outlet passage (13) at the fluid entrance (15). The displacement of the liquid from the container (12) will create a partial vacuum in the container (12). This partial vacuum will prevent the liquid from reaching the fluid exit (14), thus it will not leak. When the fluid exit (14) is inserted into the user's mouth and suction is applied, the liquid in the container (12) will flow into the fluid entrance (15), through the outlet passage (13), out of the fluid exit (14), and into the user's mouth.

Abstract: An orthopaedic or prosthetic joint comprising a linkage having a number of fixed-length links and a spring link of variable length, wherein there are five fixed-length links which are pivotally connected together in a geometric pattern such that the spring link acts to hold the joint in any one of a number of angles of flexion.

Abstract: A spill-proof closure for containers used in dispensing liquid beverages. The closure has a spout containing a thin membrane at or near the upper end. The thin membrane includes a through slit which remains closed except when external suction is applied during normal drinking.

Abstract: A spill-proof closure for containers used in dispensing liquid beverages. The closure contains an opening for delivery of a contained beverage. The closure also includes a sealing member and a deflectable member. Together these parts form a flow control valve which is normally closed, but opens when external lip pressure is applied during normal drinking.