Abstract: A scanning imaging method includes splitting an optical beam into a reference beam and a scanning beam, generating an interference map, and processing the interference map to produce a reconstructed image of a sample. Generating the interference map includes, for each of a plurality of sections of the sample, generating a respective interference-map element of the interference map by: (i) illuminating the section with the scanning beam to generate a plurality of scattered beams, each scattered beam corresponding to a respective spatial frequency of the scanning beam, (ii) attenuating the reference beam, (iii) generating a plurality of interference signals at least in part by interferometrically combining the plurality of scattered beams and the attenuated reference beam while modulating a phase difference between the reference beam and the plurality of scattered beams, and (iv) detecting the plurality of interference signals to yield the respective interference-map element.

Abstract: Apparatus arranged to heat aerosolizable material to volatize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. The apparatus comprises a conductive wire arranged to generate heat for transfer to the aerosolizable material in response to application of an electric current. The conductive wire has a resistivity between 0.9 ohm·mm2/m and 1.6 ohm·mm2/m.

Abstract: Apparatus arranged to heat aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiving portion arranged to receive a consumable article comprising aerosolizable material, a conductive wire disposed around the receiving portion, the conductive wire being arranged to generate heat for transfer to a received consumable aerosolizable material in response to application of an electric current. The conductive wire has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: Pipe body for an unbonded reinforced thermoplastic pipe (uRTP), the pipe body including a fluid retaining liner, an intermediate layer located radially outwardly of the fluid retaining liner, and a protective sheath located radially outwardly of the intermediate layer. The pipe body includes an end portion for terminating the pipe body at an end fitting. At the end portion, the intermediate layer is bonded to the fluid retaining liner. Away from the end portion, the intermediate layer remains unbonded to the fluid retaining liner.

Abstract: Pipe body for an unbonded reinforced thermoplastic pipe (uRTP), the pipe body including a fluid retaining liner, an intermediate layer located radially outwardly of the fluid retaining liner, and a protective sheath located radially outwardly of the intermediate layer. The pipe body includes an end portion for terminating the pipe body at an end fitting. At the end portion, the intermediate layer is bonded to the fluid retaining liner. Away from the end portion, the intermediate layer remains unbonded to the fluid retaining liner.

Abstract: An autonomous wearable leg device employs an array of sensors embedded along a support area, whereby a controller can generate a controlling command and send a controlling command to a prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component. A method for controlling autonomous wearable device collects kinetic signals from an array of sensors embedded in a prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component, wherein all values are extracted from at least one feature of the collected kinetic signals, which are applied to a controller that generates a controlling command that is sent to the prosthetic, orthotic exoskeletal component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component during a portion of a gait cycle.

Abstract: A vent arrangement for a flexible pipe body. The vent arrangement comprises a vent valve and an annular region flushing valve. The vent valve is arranged to couple to an annular region access port of a flexible pipe end fitting such that the vent valve can vent fluid from the pipe body annular region. The annular region flushing valve is in fluid communication with the vent valve and the annular region access port. The annular region flushing valve is arranged to inject fluid into the vent arrangement for flushing the vent valve, the annular region access port or the pipe body annular region. An end fitting incorporating the vent arrangement, a flexible pipe comprising the end fitting and a flexible pipe body coupled to the end fitting, and a method of manufacturing a flexible pipe are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining external shapes and internal tissue geometries, as well as tissue behaviors, of a biological body segment are provided. A device for three-dimensional imaging of a biological body segment includes a structure configured to receive the biological body segment, the structure including a first array of imaging devices disposed about a perimeter of the device to capture side images of the biological body segment and a second array of imaging devices disposed at an end of the device to capture images of a distal portion of the biological body segment. The second array has a generally axial viewing angle relative to the perimeter. A controller is configured to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the biological body segment based on cross-correlation of captured images from the first and second arrays.

Abstract: An autonomous wearable leg device employs an array of sensors embedded along a support area, whereby a controller can generate a controlling command and send a controlling command to a prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component. A method for controlling autonomous wearable device collects kinetic signals from an array of sensors embedded in a prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component, wherein all values are extracted from at least one feature of the collected kinetic signals, which are applied to a controller that generates a controlling command that is sent to the prosthetic, orthotic exoskeletal component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component during a portion of a gait cycle.

Abstract: A vent arrangement for a flexible pipe body. The vent arrangement comprises a vent valve and an annular region flushing valve. The vent valve is arranged to couple to an annular region access port of a flexible pipe end fitting such that the vent valve can vent fluid from the pipe body annular region. The annular region flushing valve is in fluid communication with the vent valve and the annular region access port. The annular region flushing valve is arranged to inject fluid into the vent arrangement for flushing the vent valve, the annular region access port or the pipe body annular region. An end fitting incorporating the vent arrangement, a flexible pipe comprising the end fitting and a flexible pipe body coupled to the end fitting, and a method of manufacturing a flexible pipe are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a predetermined fluid in a void space (450) of an annulus (320) of a flexible pipe and a method for providing a predetermined fluid in a void space of an annulus are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a predetermined fluid into at least one fluid communication passageway (120), e.g. an elongated conduit, in an annulus (320) of a flexible pipe and, via the passageway (120), communicating the fluid into a void space (450) of the annulus at a plurality of axially spaced apart locations, e.g. via a plurality of spaced apart openings in the wall of the elongated conduit, and at a pressure of less than about around 80 psi.

Abstract: A fastener removal aid device for removing a self-locking fastener having a pin with a head and a collar, such as a Hi-Lok® fastener, that includes at least one drill opening to receive and position a drill bit and a fastener opening for receiving at least part of the fastener. The fastener opening is designed to fit over either the collar or the pin, and the drill opening then may be centered in axial alignment with the pin, and the drill bit may then drill into either a threaded shaft end or head end of the fastener. Alternatively, the drill opening may be positioned on the sides of the fastener removal aid device to laterally break the fastener, or may also be positioned off-center to drill axially into the collar when the fastener removal aid device is positioned over the collar of the fastener and break the collar.

Abstract: A set of machines and related systems build structures by the additive assembly of discrete parts. These digital material assemblies constrain the constituent parts to a discrete set of possible positions and orientations. In doing so, the structures exhibit many of the properties inherent in digital communication such as error correction, fault tolerance and allow the assembly of precise structures with comparatively imprecise tools. Assembly of discrete cellular lattices by a Modular Isotropic Lattice Extruder System (MILES) is implemented by pulling strings of lattice elements through a forming die that enforces geometry constraints that lock the elements into a rigid structure that can then be pushed against and extruded out of the die as an assembled, load bearing structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a predetermined fluid in a void space (450) of an annulus (320) of a flexible pipe and a method for providing a predetermined fluid in a void space of an annulus are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a predetermined fluid into at least one fluid communication passageway (120), e.g. an elongated conduit, in an annulus (320) of a flexible pipe and, via the passageway (120), communicating the fluid into a void space (450) of the annulus at a plurality of axially spaced apart locations, e.g. via a plurality of spaced apart openings in the wall of the elongated conduit, and at a pressure of less than about around 80 psi.

Abstract: A pipetting system identifies and records data regarding pipetting events, including the time and well into which a pipette dispenses liquid and the volume of liquid dispensed into the well. The pipetting system also measures and records other data regarding the context of pipetting events. This other data includes the speed of pipetting, the pressure exerted on a plunger of the pipette by a finger of a user, and the temperature, humidity and lighting conditions at a well tray into which the liquid is dispensed. The pipetting system includes a pipette that has multiple cylinders and multiple corresponding pistons. Each cylinder has different diameter. Thus, a down-stroke of the pistons causes each of the cylinders to expel a different amount of air. A rotatable mechanism selects which cylinder is connected by an airway to a pipette tip and which other cylinders vent directly to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A fastener removal aid device for removing a fastener, such as a Hi-Lok® type fastener, is provided that includes at least one drill opening and a fastener opening for receiving at least part of the fastener. The fastener opening of the fastener removal aid device may be designed to fit over either the collar or the protruding head of the fastener. The drill opening of the removal aid then aligns with a portion of the fastener to provide a guide for precision drilling into the correct position of the fastener. The drill opening may be centered through the fastener removal aid device in axially alignment with the pin of the fastener when the fastener removal aid device is positioned on the fastener. The drill opening may be centered to drill into either the threaded shaft end or head end of the fastener. Alternatively, the drill opening may be positioned to laterally break the fastener by placing one or more drill openings on the sides of the fastener removal aid.

Abstract: A process for managing contingent labor costs includes, following occurrence of a predetermined event indicative of a point at which a staffing firm has earned a threshold revenue from a contingent worker recruited by the staffing firm, causing the contingent worker to become an employee of a maintenance firm; providing a labor consumer with services generated by said employee; and receiving revenue from said labor consumer for said services