Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: Described is a system which includes (i) a data capture device generating data signals; (ii) an intermediate signal processing device; and (iii) a host computing device configuring the intermediate signal processing device to a particular configuration as a function of a type of the data capture device. The intermediate signal processes device processes the data signals as a function of the particular configuration and transfers the processed data signals to the host computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The method comprises the steps of imaging at least one target, including acquiring and processing image data corresponding to a series of at least one frame; storing image data corresponding to respective acquired frames of the at least one frame, including at least image data corresponding to a current frame (Frame(N)) and image data corresponding to a previous frame (Frame(N?1)); receiving an actuation signal during Frame(N) indicating initiation of a read operation; retrieving at least a portion of the image data corresponding to Frame (N?1); and performing a decode operation on the retrieved image data.

Abstract: A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorized users and instantly recorded.

Abstract: Three non-complex imaging arrangements are provided where in two of the imaging arrangements a moveable carrier housing at least one objective lens is provided and, in the other imaging arrangement, at least one stationary objective lens and additional optical elements are provided. Each embodiment includes at least one fixed image sensor array for imaging thereon an optical code or target, such as a one-dimensional barcode symbol, or label, marking, picture, etc. Each imaging arrangement provides an extended working range of approximately 5–102 cm. The imaging arrangements are capable of being incorporated within a barcode imager to provide a non-complex barcode imager having an extended working range which is comparable to or greater than the working ranges of conventional image-based barcode imagers.

Abstract: An interface assembly is provided for interfacing an imaging engine having an adjustable lens assembly to a circuitry assembly of an optical code reader system, the interface assembly includes a first coupling circuitry assembly for transmission of at least one input signal in a first direction from the circuitry assembly toward the imaging engine, the at least one input signal including at least one focus control signal for controlling the lens assembly for selecting a focus position of at least two focus positions, and a second coupling circuitry assembly for transmission of at least one output signal in a second direction from the imaging engine toward the circuitry assembly, the at least one output signal including at least one pixel data signal, wherein the at least one pixel data signal is indicative of light sensed by a photo sensor array of the imaging engine. Preferably, the imaging engine is removably positioned and/or dimensioned and configured to fit within a predetermined form factor.

Abstract: The combination of a rooftop optical element and a soft edge aperture stop, as well as the introduction of a negative spherical aberration in a positive focusing lens, improve working distance and depth of focus in both moving beam and imaging readers for electro-optically reading indicia such as bar code symbols, especially for close-in symbols, and moreover tend to reduce undesirable light intensity modulation in the beam profile thereby improving reader performance.

Abstract: Described is a system having a host computing device, a data capture device collecting data signals and an intermediate signal processing device which receives the data signals from the data capture device. The intermediate signal processing device then processes the data signals and forwards the processed data signals to the host computing device. The intermediate signal processing device being configurable based on a type of the data capture device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an afterbody flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile flow control system for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a missile or aircraft comprising an afterbody and a forebody; at least one activatable flow effector on the missile or aircraft afterbody; at least one sensor each having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect forces or flow conditions on the missile or aircraft afterbody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one activatable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for swipe image scanning comprising a scan stand and an imaging scanner. An exemplary scan stand comprises an illumination module and a receiving structure to receive the imaging scanner. Other embodiments further comprise a scan module, an illumination module, a processing unit, a detection component and memory. In an embodiment, the scan stand illuminates target dataforms brighter than the illumination from the scanner allowing for shorter exposure times and improved scanner performance.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an optical code is provided including the steps of consecutively imaging an optical code respectively using at least a first and a second imaging setting; generating at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings; evaluating at least one of the first and second sets of image data; and selecting at least one of the first and second sets of image data in accordance with the evaluation. The system includes an imaging engine having a lens assembly and a photo sensor array for consecutively imaging an optical code located in a field of view of the imaging engine using at least the first and the second imaging settings, and generating the at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings.

Abstract: An imaging and illuminating engine for an optical code reader to illuminate and image remote target indicia, such as an optical code, is provided. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and an illumination assembly for providing illumination of the remote indicia. The illumination assembly is capable of providing a plurality of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths. The illumination assembly can also be provided with a single illuminating device for providing one illumination output for illuminating substantially the entire field of view. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the illumination assembly from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package configured for easily interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of biodiesel from triglyceride oils through transesterification, particularly the fatty acid methyl ester of oil mechanically expelled from whole seeds of Jatropha curcas, a plant with potential for cultivation on wastelands in India and other countries, all unit operations being carried out at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Prokaryotic FAB G polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such FAB G and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such FAB G for the treatment of infection, such as bacterial infections. Antagonists against such FAB G and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, such as staphylococcal infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of FAB G nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding FAB G and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorised users and instantly recorded.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: An imaging and an illuminating engine is provided for an optical code reader to image and illuminate remote target indicia. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and at least two illumination assemblies for providing illumination of the remote indicia. Each illumination assembly is capable of providing a number of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths or different output durations. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the at least two illumination assemblies from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package for easily inserted and interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: A memory manger acts on a memory that has been arranged with a predetermined number of fixed memory blocks, with each memory block set to a predefined size. These fixed blocks have been initialized to accelerate the allocation process. When a memory manger receives an allocation request, the size of the request is compared to the predefined size. If the memory manager determines that the fixed memory block handles the memory request, then the memory manager allocates one of the fixed blocks to the pending memory request. If no fixed block is available to handle the request, then the memory manager may allocate the memory from a free memory pool. The memory manager may search the available free memory blocks to identify and allocate the optimum free block that satisfies the pending allocation request.

Abstract: Described is a system having a host computing device, a data capture device collecting data signals and an intermediate signal processing device which receives the data signals from the data capture device. The intermediate signal processing device then processes the data signals and forwards the processed data signals to the host computing device. The intermediate signal processing device being configurable based on a type of the data capture device.