Abstract: A method of implementing administrative services for managing status updates is disclosed. A status update configuration window is provided on a graphical user interface. The status update configuration window comprises a plurality of update settings for configuring recurring status updates. A selection of update settings is received in the status update configuration window comprising an update frequency, a set of update questions, and a schedule for update reminders. The selected update settings are stored as an update template. An update summary window is displayed concurrently with the status update configuration window. The update summary window comprises a limited list of one or more selectable update management functions. A selection of an update management function is received from the update summary window.

Abstract: A method of generating customizable goal representation is disclosed. A request from a user to view a goal representation is received. A flexible goal ontology is accessed that comprises one or more goal entities, one or more goal relationships between the goal entities, or one or more goal properties, the one or more goal properties including one or more metadata attributes relating to the one or more goal entities. A set of mapping rules is obtained that defines mappings between one or more goals. The set of mapping rules is evaluated to assemble a customized goal representation tailored to the user. The customized goal representation is updated based on a revaluation of the mapping rules affected by changes to the one or more goal entities, the one or more goal relationships, or the one or more properties.

Abstract: A wafer probe test system having a probe card with a probe head, a rotary magnet, a magnetic sensor positioned to sense the magnetic field of the rotary magnet and a controller coupled to the probe card, where the probe head has probe needles to engage features of test sites of a wafer in a wafer plane of orthogonal first and second directions, and the rotary magnet is rotatable around an axis of a third direction to provide a magnetic field to the wafer, in which the controller includes a model of magnetic flux density in the first, second and third directions at the respective test sites of the wafer as a function of a rotational angle of the rotary magnet, a probe needle height along the third direction and a measured magnetic flux density of the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring an optical element comprising: a. a light source, b. a measurement structure which illuminated by the light of the light source and has areas of different transmissivity, c. an optical imaging system for converting light transmitted by the measurement structure into a collimated measuring beam which is directed onto the optical element, and d. a sensor for detecting a reflection of the measuring beam generated on the optical element for detecting a transmission of the measuring beam passing through the optical element. According to the invention the light source has a plurality of light segments, wherein the device further comprises a control unit which is designed for independently controlling the plurality of light segments. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for measuring an optical element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for extracting an implanted lead from a patient's body. The system may include a dilator and a trephine for extracting the electrode lead. A sheath may be included that is advanced over the proximal end of an electrode lead until the distal end of the sheath abuts a collar of the electrode lead coupled to proximal fixation elements. The dilator may be rotatably and axially advanced over the sheath until the distal end of the dilator collapses the proximal fixation elements within a lumen of the dilator. The trephine may then be rotatably and axially advanced over the dilator such that a cutting edge of the trephine cuts tissue surrounding distal fixation elements of the electrode lead to thereby dislodge the electrode lead.

Abstract: A method for measuring a semifinished prism in which a first test beam path is produced, by which a first test image is imaged to infinity, and in which the first test beam path is guided as an incident beam path onto a first non-polished surface of the prism. A beam path reflected from the first non-polished surface is captured by a telescope, wherein the first test image is imaged onto a detector in the telescope. The incident beam path forms an obtuse angle with the reflected beam path. A second test beam path reflected from a second surface of the prism is captured by a telescope, wherein a second test image, which is imaged to infinity by the second test beam path, is imaged onto a detector by the telescope. The angle between the first surface and the second surface is determined on the basis of the difference between an orientation of the first surface, derived from the first test image, and an orientation of the second surface, derived from the second test image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring an optical element comprising: a. a light source, b. a measurement structure which illuminated by the light of the light source and has areas of different transmissivity, c. an optical imaging system for converting light transmitted by the measurement structure into a collimated measuring beam which is directed onto the optical element, and d. a sensor for detecting a reflection of the measuring beam generated on the optical element for detecting a transmission of the measuring beam passing through the optical element. According to the invention the light source has a plurality of light segments, wherein the device further comprises a control unit which is designed for independently controlling the plurality of light segments. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for measuring an optical element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring sheets comprising a light source and a light sensor, which are arranged such that a light beam emerging from the light source passes through the sheet and impinges on the light sensor. According to the invention, the light sensor has a dynamic range of more than 8 bits with linear resolution, or has a non-linear resolution. The invention also relates to a corresponding method. The invention makes it possible to reliably measure both a primary beam and a secondary beam of the light beam that passed through the sheet.

Abstract: A therapy cast can provide fixation, compression, or thermal therapy to a patient. The therapy cast can include a support structure configured to couple to a lower leg of a person and configured to at least partially restrict movement of the lower leg. A compression member can be configured to exert a compressive force to a first portion of the lower leg. The compressive force can include a gradient relative to a spatial position of the lower leg. A thermal member can provide thermal therapy to a second portion of the lower leg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight caster assembly and modular shelf system for use on an existing collapsible foldable cart with four wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight caster assembly and modular shelf system for use on an existing collapsible foldable cart with four wheels.

Abstract: This process allows one to create bar code and dot code labels that are sensitive to infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light with out the use of ink. This is accomplished by cutting out or otherwise removing select areas of media to create shapes identical to the outlines of data elements that would be created by infrared, ultraviolet, and visible ink printing systems. This includes but is not limited to the shape of bars in bar coding, the dots in dot coding, lettering, numbering, and images. The method of cutting out the shapes could be manual or with special automated tools, equipment, and machinery. This process offers distinct advantages that qualify it as an improvement over ink printing. It can be done more cheaply, has a stability that is more dependant on the media than the ink, can not wash off, and there are no problems involving insufficient ink and poor print quality.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing standardization and reuse of feature driven design of automotive vehicles. An automotive vehicle is represented by a vehicle model, which includes a set of features defining vehicle functionality and information on how to implement each feature. A features database stores information on how a feature is implemented, including the physical parts it requires and the configuration of the parts. A parts database is also provided for maintaining information on vehicle parts. Coupled to the features database and the parts data base is a feature manager arranged to determine physical implementation information for each feature based on the implementation information. The physical implementation information is included in the vehicle model. A conflict manager is provided for resolving conflicts between implementations of separate features, and an optimizer for standardizing parts and implementations across multiple vehicle models.

Abstract: A multi-functional cart for transporting objects including a frame, a first handle connected to the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a second handle connected to the frame adjacent a second end of the frame, a first pair of wheels connected to the frame adjacent the first end of the frame and a second pair of wheels connected to the frame adjacent the second end of the frame. The handles are different sizes and are selectively movable between perpendicular to the frame and coplanar to the frame. The frame has a generally rectangular configuration and includes frame members which are telescopically connected to each other. The multi-functional cart transforms into eight or more configurations.

Abstract: A system and method for audio coding an audio signal are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, selected masked tones that are reduced in audibility by masking tones are discarded, and those masked tones that are reduced in audibility by a masking tone that when reproduced along with the masking tone result in a perceived difference tone are retained.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing standardization and reuse of feature driven design of automotive vehicles. An automotive vehicle is represented by a vehicle model, which includes a set of features defining vehicle functionality and information on how to implement each feature. A features database stores information on how a feature is implemented, including the physical parts it requires and the configuration of the parts. A parts database is also provided for maintaining information on vehicle parts. Coupled to the features database and the parts data base is a feature manager arranged to determine physical implementation information for each feature based on the implementation information. The physical implementation information is included in the vehicle model. A conflict manager is provided for resolving conflicts between implementations of separate features, and an optimizer for standardizing parts and implementations across multiple vehicle models.

Abstract: A convertible cart for transporting objects including a frame, a first handle connected to the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a second handle connected to the frame adjacent a second end of the frame, a first plurality of wheels connected to the frame adjacent the first end of the frame and a second plurality of wheels connected to the frame adjacent the second end of the frame. The first plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted to a tubular axle. The first plurality of wheels are casters rotatably interconnected to the frame. The handles are selectively movable between a first position perpendicular to the frame and a second position generally coplanar to the frame. The frame has a generally rectangular configuration and includes frame members which are telescopically connected to each other.

Abstract: A column stalk assembly for controlling lighting and wiper functions of a motor vehicle is provided. The column stalk includes a wiper stalk controlling the front wipers, rear wipers, front washer, and rear washer of the motor vehicle and a lighting stalk controlling the headlamps, high beam headlamps, interior lights, and turn signals of the motor vehicle, the wiper stalk and the lighting stalk being structurally similar. Each stalk includes an outer rotatable knob and an inner rotatable ring separated by a stationary ring. The stationary ring cooperates with the outer knob to control a specific function. Each stalk also includes a base disposed adjacent to the inner ring. The base cooperates with the inner ring to control a specific function.

Abstract: An automotive heater, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control system reduces overall system cost and improves system reliability by reducing the number of wire interconnects between the climate control head and the multifunction body control module. Wire reduction from as many as seven to as few as one is possible with the inventive resistively multiplex system. The inventive system combines rear defrost, airconditioning on/off and a set of mode door drive motor select signals within a single climate control head. The inventive climate control head includes a series of resistors and switches that effectively allow a vehicle user to select the various modes of HVAG system operation. The climate control head effectively combines the various possible mode signals into one analog signal that varies according to the selected mode. The single analog signal is fed into a single analog-to-digital port in the multifunction control module.

Abstract: A convertible cart for transporting objects having a frame, a first handle connected to the frame, a second handle connected adjacent an opposite end of the frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame. Each of the handles is selectively movable between a first position generally perpendicular to the frame and a second position generally aligned with the frame. The wheels support the frame at a position parallel to the surface on which the wheels are placed. The frame has a longitudinal member extending centrally of the frame. The longitudinal member has an end offset from overlapping relationship with one end of the frame. A snap button is provided within the longitudinal member so as to limit telescoping movement of one portion of the longitudinal member with respect to another portion.