Abstract: A lift device includes a lift apparatus, a base assembly, and a controller. The lift apparatus is configured to raise and lower a removable robotic implement assembly. The base assembly is configured to support the lift apparatus and a primary mover. The primary mover is configured to provide rotational motion to one or more wheels supported by the base to move the lift apparatus. The controller is in communication with the implement assembly and the lift apparatus. The controller is configured to adjust a position of the robotic implement assembly and the lift apparatus in response to receiving instructions to perform a task.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cryopreserving compositions which are suitable for the cryopreservation of biological materials, e.g. cells and proteins. The cryopreserving compositions comprise specified concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-ethylene glycol (PEG). The invention also relates to process for producing cryopreserved biological materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing compositions for the cryopreservation of biological materials, e.g. cells and proteins. The compositions comprise a polyampholyte polymer. The invention also provides certain cryopreserving compositions comprising the polyampholyte polymer.

Abstract: A computer network implemented system for providing an interactive online event is disclosed, the system comprising an online chat manager to provide an attendee interface for one or more attendees to participate in the interactive online event, and a leader interface for one or more leaders to participate in the interactive online event, a video stream subsystem to record at least a portion of a video stream of the one or more attendees or one or more leaders, an authentication subsystem to authenticate the identity of the one or more attendees or one or more leaders, wherein the system is operable to enable the one or more leaders to sign/dedicate an artifact for the one or more attendees.

Abstract: A computer network implemented system for providing an interactive online event is disclosed, the system comprising an online chat manager to provide an attendee interface for one or more attendees to participate in the interactive online event, and a leader interface for one or more leaders to participate in the interactive online event, a video stream subsystem to record at least a portion of a video stream of the one or more attendees or one or more leaders, an authentication subsystem to authenticate the identity of the one or more attendees or one or more leaders, wherein the system is operable to enable the one or more leaders to sign/dedicate an artifact for the one or more attendees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

Abstract: A camera assembly (10) for the inspection of passageways, particularly wellbores, and designed to operate in high temperature environments. A camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores comprises an elongate housing (12) having a first end (30) and a second end (42) and, extending between the ends, a side wall comprising an inner wall (22) and an outer wall (24), with a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls; an elongate relay lens (52) having a first end (56) and a second end (62), the relay lens being located within the housing; an optically transparent window (46) located at the first end of the relay lens; an image sensor (48) located at the second end of the relay lens for capturing an image of an object viewable through the relay lens and window; and a light source (16) arranged to emit light from the housing, for illuminating the viewable object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, a molecule or molecules) to a therapy site. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are flexible and able to conform to the contours of a therapy site, such as the shape of a user's face. In certain approaches, the devices and systems described herein include an integrated power supply for standalone application to the therapy site. The devices, systems, and methods include flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution. In practice, the device includes at least two electrodes which are coupled to the therapy site. When the electrodes are placed at the therapy site, they are electrically coupled, thereby drawing a current from the power supply to deliver the therapeutic agent to the therapy site.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for adapting a data rate used to generate data packets for transmission by a wireless transmitter (12) operating in a wireless network. In one method, the transmitter (12) monitors the number of data packets that cannot be transmitted in a given time period, and adjusts the data rate used for generation of data packets for transmission in accordance with the number of packets that remain un-transmitted at the end of the given time period. In another method, the transmitter (12) uses information associated with or derived from Acknowledgements received from a receiving device to determine whether an adjustment to the data rate used for generation of data packets for transmission is required. In a further method, the transmitter (12) monitors a packet error rate for transmitted packets and determines a maximum packet error rate that can be supported by the wireless network without instability.

Abstract: A transaction system and method is provided that ensures a high degree of non-repudiation. The transaction system may include a media conferencing terminal and a client computer on each end of the transaction. The system may be linked via a network such as the Internet so that transactions may be conducted between remote locations. The media conferencing terminal ensures that each party to the transaction may be satisfied as to the identity of the other parties. The method includes recording the pressure, speed and acceleration of annotations made to digital documents that are used for conducting transactions. The system is operable to store all media conferencing information, digital document information, and annotation information such that the information can be later recovered to reproduce the transaction, proving a high degree of non-repudiation.

Abstract: A method for providing alignment in a die picking process may include aligning a semiconductor wafer based on a reference die, forming an indicator line relative to the reference die by picking a number of dice along a line extending across the wafer, and using the reference line to monitor a position of the picking machine relative to the wafer. A die attach machine may include a control system for automatically implementing such method.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with control of a motor vehicle powertrain having a transmission of torque-controlled type. The powertrain also has an engine which provides a controllable engine torque. The method involves determining a reaction torque requirement and an engine torque requirement suitable to create a desired wheel torque and also a desired engine acceleration. The engine torque and the reaction torque provided by the transmission are set accordingly. The invention is characterized by the fact that the aforementioned calculation involves estimating and allowing for vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

Abstract: A camera assembly (10) for the inspection of passageways, particularly wellbores, and designed to operate in high temperature environments. A camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores comprises an elongate housing (12) having a first end (30) and a second end (42) and, extending between the ends, a side wall comprising an inner wall (22) and an outer wall (24), with a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls; an elongate relay lens (52) having a first end (56) and a second end (62), the relay lens being located within the housing; an optically transparent window (46) located at the first end of the relay lens; an image sensor (48) located at the second end of the relay lens for capturing an image of an object viewable through the relay lens and window; and a light source (16) arranged to emit light from the housing, for illuminating the viewable object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, a molecule or molecules) to a therapy site. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are flexible and able to conform to the contours of a therapy site, such as the shape of a user's face. In certain approaches, the devices and systems described herein include an integrated power supply for standalone application to the therapy site. The devices, systems, and methods include flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution. In practice, the device includes at least two electrodes which are coupled to the therapy site. When the electrodes are placed at the therapy site, they are electrically coupled, thereby drawing a current from the power supply to deliver the therapeutic agent to the therapy site.

Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable ratio transmission is described. The method may include controlling a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) having rotary input and output members through which the variator is coupled between an engine and a driven component, the variator receiving a primary control signal and being constructed and arranged to exert upon its input and output members torques which correspond directly to the control signal. The method may also include determining a target engine acceleration, determining settings of the variator's primary control signal and of an engine torque control for providing the required engine acceleration and adjusting the control signal and/or the engine torque control based on these settings, predicting a consequent engine speed change, allowing for engine and/or transmission characteristics, and correcting the settings of the control signal and engine torque based on a comparison of actual and predicted engine speeds.

Abstract: A transaction system and method is provided that ensures a high degree of non-repudiation. The transaction system may include a media conferencing terminal and a client computer on each end of the transaction. The system may be linked via a network such as the Internet so that transactions may be conducted between remote locations. The media conferencing terminal ensures that each party to the transaction may be satisfied as to the identity of the other parties. The method includes recording the pressure, speed and acceleration of annotations made to digital documents that are used for conducting transactions. The system is operable to store all media conferencing information, digital document information, and annotation information such that the information can be later recovered to reproduce the transaction, proving a high degree of non-repudiation.

Abstract: A method for providing alignment in a die picking process may include aligning a semiconductor wafer based on a reference die, forming an indicator line relative to the reference die by picking a number of dice along a line extending across the wafer, and using the reference line to monitor a position of the picking machine relative to the wafer. A die attach machine may include a control system for automatically implementing such method.