Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product identify objects of interest within images. In a method, the method receives one or more images generated by an image capture device that is configured to be relocated. The method also receives information regarding an estimated location of the image capture device. Based upon a representation of a respective image of the one or more images and respective representations of a plurality of reference images, the method identifies one or more reference images that are associated with the estimated location. The method also identifies an object of interest within the respective image generated by the image capture device based upon respective digital signatures of one or more objects of interest and at least some context associated with the one or more objects of interest that are depicted by the one or more reference images that have been identified.

Abstract: Pump includes a motor, a cam shaft coupled to the motor for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the cam shaft, the cam shaft having at least one radially-outward projection defining a helical engagement portion disposed along a length of the cam shaft, and a plurality of finger plates disposed along the length of the cam shaft, each finger plate mounted for movement in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the cam shaft, each finger plate having an aperture defined therein to receive the cam shaft therethrough, each aperture having a substantially straight edge region and an opposing edge region. Engagement of the helical engagement portion with the substantially flat edge region during rotation of the cam shaft urges the finger plate transversely toward an extended position. Systems and techniques for delivering a beneficial agent to a user are also provided.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first multi-mode waveguide, a first optical coupler coupled to the first multi-mode waveguide, the first coupler being tapered and curved, and a first single-mode waveguide having a first end coupled to the first optical coupler. The optical device may be used in an optical delay device. A method of propagating light in a first multi-mode waveguide toward a first optical coupler, propagating the light in the first optical coupler toward a first single-mode waveguide, the first optical coupler being tapered and curved, and propagating the light along the first single-mode waveguide is also disclosed.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for fabricating and operating superconducting photon detectors. In one aspect, a photon detector includes: (1) a first waveguide configured to guide photons from a photon source; (2) a second waveguide that is distinct and separate from the first waveguide and optically-coupled to the first waveguide; and (3) a superconducting component positioned adjacent to the second waveguide and configured to detect photons within the second waveguide.

Abstract: A wearable, open and adjustable MRI head coil system having an assembly of support members, panels, or portions defining one or more access openings. The support members, panels, or portions can support, house, or otherwise include radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils such that the assembly is positionable or wearable by a patient for MRI scanning. The radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils, and other devices can be simultaneously in contact with a patient's head, thereby enabling use during diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical or other interventional procedures.

Abstract: A compact audio woofer arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an enclosure installed in the motor vehicle. The enclosure contains a woofer or subwoofer emitting a sound. The enclosure includes a primary and secondary through-hole. The primary through-hole allows the woofer to interface with the interior of the vehicle and provides sound directly from the enclosure into a passenger compartment at the primary location. A extended vent acting as an acoustic transmission line is coupled to the second through-hole. The vent transmits sound from the enclosure to a secondary location remote from the primary location, such that the sound is emitted into the adjacent passenger compartment. The primary and secondary acoustic outputs differ by physical location in the motor vehicle, and also by frequency response of the emitted sound, thereby emulating a quasi-stereo environment.

Abstract: An MRI system including a main magnet defining a volume, an imaging region disposed within the volume. The main magnet is configured to produce a uniform main magnetic field within the volume, wherein the uniform magnetic field is oriented along a patient axis. The system includes a gradient magnetic coil assembly disposed within the volume and configured to generate a spatially varying magnetic field across the imaging region. The gradient magnetic coil assembly includes a first coil configured to generate a magnetic field in a first axis, a second coil configured to generate a magnetic field in a second axis, and a third coil configured to generate a magnetic field in the patient axis. The system also includes a passive gradient shield disposed between the main magnet and primary gradient magnetic coil assembly, the passive gradient shield can include a continuous cylindrical layer of high permeability, low electrical conductivity material.

Abstract: A lid for a liquid container has a lid body having an outer perimeter in a horizontal plane. The lid body defines a liquid port within the outer perimeter. The lid body has a closure that selectively closes the liquid port. A rigid handle extends away from the lid body, the rigid handle defining a first aperture adjacent to the lid body. A pivoting handle is attached to the lid body by a pivot connection. The pivoting handle defines a second aperture and is pivotable from a stored position, in which the first aperture and the second aperture cooperate to define a common aperture, to a second position in which the first aperture is pivotally spaced from the second aperture.

Abstract: A directional solidification casting method includes fluidly coupling a feed line conduit with a source of molten metal and with a directional solidification mold at a gating. The mold has an interior chamber with a shape of an object to be cast using directional solidification in a growth direction. The feed line conduit is fluidly coupled with the gating in a downward direction oriented at an angle that is closer to the growth direction of the mold than to another direction that is perpendicular to the growth direction of the mold. The method also includes positioning a downstream portion of the feed line conduit below the gating, directing the molten metal into the mold via the feed line conduit, and casting the object in the mold using directional solidification.

Abstract: An exhaust system comprises a first exhaust pipe having a first aperture, a second exhaust pipe having a second aperture and a bridge mechanically and fluidically interconnecting the first and second exhaust pipes. The bridge includes a first plate including a first curved portion sealingly fixed to an outer surface of the first exhaust pipe. The bridge includes a second plate including a second curved portion sealingly fixed to an outer surface of the second exhaust. The first and second plates each include first and second coupling tubes including first and second frustoconical portions to funnel exhaust from the first exhaust pipe toward the second exhaust pipe and vice versa. The first plate is sealingly coupled to the second plate.

Abstract: A prepreg tape assembly for impregnating a dry fiber tow to make composite components. The prepreg tape assembly can include a bath defining a slurry reservoir, a series of rollers located in the bath, and a take-up drum located outside of the slurry reservoir. The prepreg tape assembly also includes a first metering device capable of metering slurry, where the first metering device has a tow passage. The tow passage includes an inlet and an outlet, where the inlet of the tow passage overlies or is located in the slurry reservoir.

Abstract: A beverage vessel support apparatus including a movable support member configured for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. An actuation assembly may adjust a height of the movable support member. A beverage vessel rim detector may be configured to determine whether an uppermost part of a beverage vessel supported by the movable support member is at an appropriate position for a beverage to be dispensed into the beverage vessel. A first beverage vessel detector may be positioned below the beverage vessel rim detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member. A second beverage vessel detector may be arranged between the beverage vessel rim detector and the first beverage vessel detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection moulding system for forming an oven liner, particularly of the type that is used with microwave ovens. Oven liners are of particular benefit when used inside microwave ovens. They improve hygiene as where food spills or spurts onto the oven liner rather than an interior of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A method of resolving a number of photons received by a photon detector includes optically coupling a waveguide to a superconducting wire having alternating narrow and wide portions; electrically coupling the superconducting wire to a current source; and electrically coupling an electrical contact in parallel with the superconducting wire. The electrical contact has a resistance less than a resistance of the superconducting wire while at least one narrow portion of the superconducting wire is in a non-superconducting state. The method includes providing to the superconducting wire, from the current source, a current configured to maintain the superconducting wire in a superconducting state in the absence of incident photons; receiving one or more photons via the waveguide; measuring an electrical property of the superconducting wire, proportional to a number of photons incident on the superconducting wire; and determining the number of received photons based on the electrical property.

Abstract: A horse saddle with a frame and a body. The frame may be a metal bar and the body may be rotationally molded, over molded or utilize other manufacturing techniques to at least partially enclose the frame in the body, and the exposed portions of the frame functioning as D-rings for rigging loads to the saddle. The saddle functions both for riding, packing or both riding and packing. The saddle may include a metal of a first material and a body of a second material. The body may be mostly hollow and be lightweight with improved comfort resulting from depressions in the saddle seat.

Abstract: A multi-grain selector device includes an outer body having exterior surfaces. The outer body includes a cooling side configured to face a cooling plate of a casting furnace and an opposite mold side configured to face into a mold. The outer body includes an array of multiple grain selector columns each formed from two or more transversely oriented, elongated channels that are fluidly coupled with each other in an end-to-end arrangement oriented along a growth direction that extends from the cooling side of the outer body toward the mold side of the outer body. The selector columns extend to growth openings on the mold side of the outer body. Each of the selector columns is configured to form a single grain column out of the corresponding growth opening that is part of a columnar grained article to be formed in the mold that grows along the growth direction.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first multi-mode waveguide, a first optical coupler coupled to the first multi-mode waveguide, the first coupler being tapered and curved, and a first single-mode waveguide having a first end coupled to the first optical coupler. The optical device maybe used in an optical delay device. A method of propagating light in a first multi-mode waveguide toward a first optical coupler, propagating the light in the first optical coupler toward a first single-mode waveguide, the first optical coupler being tapered and curved, and propagating the light along the first single-mode waveguide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus having a height-adjustable support member for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. The beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage and a movable support member having a top surface for supporting a beverage vessel below the beverage dispensing outlet. The movable support member may include an inner telescoping element and an outer telescoping element. An actuation assembly may be operably coupled to the movable support member to move the movable support member to modify a distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet. Activation of the actuation assembly may cause both the inner and outer telescoping elements to move simultaneously either towards or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A mid-control system for a motor vehicle having a transmission and a primary cover opposite said transmission, said mid-control system with a first mid-control device connected to the transmission, the first mid-control device including a first footrest engaged with a first actuator pedal, said first actuator pedal connected to at least one fluid reservoir containing a fluid and a second mid-control device connected to the primary cover, the second mid-control device including a pivot shaft, a second footrest engaged with a second actuator pedal and a cover plate;

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product train a signature encoding module and a query processing module. In a method, at least one of the signature encoding module and the query processing module is trained by providing the signature encoding module with a reference image containing a particular object of interest that is marked therewithin. The method generates a digital signature of the object of interest and at least some context associated therewith and provides the query processing module with a query image and the digital signature representing the object of interest and at least some of the context associated therewith. The method additionally identifies the object of interest within the query image based upon the digital signature and modifies at least one of the signature encoding module or the query processing module based upon a qualitative or quantitative difference between the objects of interest identified within the query image and marked in the reference image.