Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.

Abstract: An optical illusion device and method of production is described. The method comprises producing a digital sculpt. A rendered visual image and a thinned digital sculpt are then produced from the digital sculpt. Next a digital thickness shell is produced from the thinned digital sculpt. Finally, the rendered visual image is employed to impart a lithophane depth map onto the digital thickness shell. The overall result is an optical illusion device comprising a negative image forming surface with a registered lithophane image imparted on thereon. When the optical illusion device is viewed from various angles (and with a light source placed behind it), the negative image forming surface appears to the viewer as a positive or convex model with a photographic image applied to the profiled surface. The illusion created is of a ‘panning’, three-dimensional photographic image, complete with improved detail due to the presence of the lithophane depth map.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a device having a non-conductive body with first and second ports that are electrically insulated from each other; a first antenna coupled to the first port; and a second antenna coupled to the second port. When the first and second ports are coupled to first and second transmission mediums, respectively: the first and second transmission mediums are electrically insulated from each other, a first electromagnetic wave conveying information and propagating along the first transmission medium causes the first antenna to transmit an RF signal to the second antenna, the RF signal conveys the information, the RF signal received at the second antenna causes a communication signal to be communicated via the second transmission medium, the communication signal conveys the information, and the first electromagnetic wave propagates along the first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a device having a non-conductive body with first and second ports that are electrically insulated from each other; a first antenna coupled to the first port; and a second antenna coupled to the second port. When the first and second ports are coupled to first and second transmission mediums, respectively: the first and second transmission mediums are electrically insulated from each other, a first electromagnetic wave conveying information and propagating along the first transmission medium causes the first antenna to transmit an RF signal to the second antenna, the RF signal conveys the information, the RF signal received at the second antenna causes a communication signal to be communicated via the second transmission medium, the communication signal conveys the information, and the first electromagnetic wave propagates along the first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for online assisted pre-intervention or “prevention” are described. A prevention system may provide the ability to initiate a prevention campaign in order to create a customized support forum for persons who may be afflicted by a harmful addiction. The prevention system can receive a request to initiate a campaign for a recipient from a host and facilitate the invitation of other participants to the campaign. Knowledge-based questionnaires may be dynamically generated for the host and participants, and a profile built for the recipient based on received responses. Customized messages may be generated by the prevention system using expert knowledge-based rules, and delivered to the recipient. The messages may be unique to the recipient based on the recipient's circumstances and relationship to the host and participants. Support services provided by the prevention system encourage the recipient to agree to accept help and provide action plan recommendations.

Abstract: An adjustable carriage for receiving and moving articles on a manufacturing line is provided that includes a first base portion and a second base. A first support member is connected with and extends substantially orthogonal to the first base portion and a second support member is connected with and extending substantially orthogonal to the second base portion. The first and second support members and the base combine to define an article receiving compartment having a compartment width. The base is positionable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first base portion is positioned relative to the second base portion such that the compartment width is defined by a first length. In the second configuration the first base portion is positioned relative to the second base portion such that the compartment width is defined by a second length that is different from the second length.

Abstract: A controller for use in an interactive gaming system is described. The controller comprising a player mounting means, a motion detector that provides a means for determining the motion of the controller and an audio code communication module. The audio code communication module provides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to a detected, predetermined motion of the controller. The audio code signals for the controller can be embedded within normal audio output of a gaming system and thereafter be employed to activate a multitude of features within the games. The gaming system may comprise an opponent based on an electronic game running on a computer device or a second controller worn by a second player. The gaming system may further comprise one or more power up toys that provide additional combat moves for the one or more participants.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame defining a machine direction. The apparatus includes first and second transport members operatively engaged with the frame. The apparatus includes first carriage and second carriage drive mechanisms each having a carriage drive belt, a drive shaft, and a sprocket drive belt operatively engaged with the drive shaft. The carriage drive belts are operatively engaged with the carriage drive mechanisms and operatively connected with the respective transport member such that the carriage drive belt moves the transport member in the machine direction about an endless loop. The sprocket drive belts engage the drive mechanism in a position of the drive mechanism not connected with the carriage drive belt.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame defining a machine direction. The apparatus includes first and second transport members operatively engaged with the frame. The apparatus includes first carriage and second carriage drive mechanisms each having a carriage drive belt, a drive shaft, and a sprocket drive belt operatively engaged with the drive shaft. The carriage drive belts are operatively engaged with the carriage drive mechanisms and operatively connected with the respective transport member such that the carriage drive belt moves the transport member in the machine direction about an endless loop. The sprocket drive belts engage the drive mechanism in a position of the drive mechanism not connected with the carriage drive belt.

Abstract: An adjustable carriage for receiving and moving articles on a manufacturing line is provided that includes a first base portion and a second base. A first support member is connected with and extends substantially orthogonal to the first base portion and a second support member is connected with and extending substantially orthogonal to the second base portion. The first and second support members and the base combine to define an article receiving compartment having a compartment width. The base is positionable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first base portion is positioned relative to the second base portion such that the compartment width is defined by a first length. In the second configuration the first base portion is positioned relative to the second base portion such that the compartment width is defined by a second length that is different from the second length.

Abstract: Systems and methods for online assisted pre-intervention or “prevention” are described. A prevention system may provide the ability to initiate a prevention campaign in order to create a customized support forum for persons who may be afflicted by a harmful addiction. The prevention system can receive a request to initiate a campaign for a recipient from a host and facilitate the invitation of other participants to the campaign. Knowledge-based questionnaires may be dynamically generated for the host and participants, and a profile built for the recipient based on received responses. Customized messages may be generated by the prevention system using expert knowledge-based rules, and delivered to the recipient. The messages may be unique to the recipient based on the recipient's circumstances and relationship to the host and participants. Support services provided by the prevention system encourage the recipient to agree to accept help and provide action plan recommendations.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for deriving commonalities among data entries, These mechanisms and methods for deriving commonalities among data entries can identify characteristics that are known to be common to at least some data entries in addition to unknown characteristics that are common to data entries, The ability to identify common known and unknown characteristics among data entries may allow data entries to be grouped according to the identified common known and unknown characteristics.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for deriving commonalities among data entries. These mechanisms and methods for deriving commonalities among data entries can identify characteristics that are known to be common to at least some data entries in addition to unknown characteristics that are common to data entries. The ability to identify common known and unknown characteristics among data entries may allow data entries to be grouped according to the identified common known and unknown characteristics.

Abstract: System and methods for decomposing an Auger electron spectrum into elemental and chemical components, includes conditioning and input spectrum to generate a normalized input spectrum; determining statistical correlation between the normalized input spectrum and stored elemental spectral signatures; and characterizing elemental or chemical species in the input spectrum from the statistical correlation, wherein said conditioning the input spectrum includes estimating a background signal of non-Auger electrons in the input spectrum and subtracting the estimated background signal from the input spectrum.