Abstract: An apparatus for generating a virtual reality environment comprising: controller circuitry configured to: insert a captured image of an object in the virtual reality environment; move the captured image within the virtual reality environment; pause the movement of the captured image in the virtual reality environment; generate a rendered representation of at least part of the captured image; replace the at least part of the captured image with the rendered representation in the virtual reality environment; and move the rendered representation within the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: A video data encoding method is operable with respect to successive source images each including a set of encoded regions, each region being separately encoded as an independently decodable network abstraction layer (NAL) unit having associated encoding parameter data. The method includes: identifying a subset of the regions representing at least a portion of each source image that corresponds to a required display image; allocating regions of the subset of regions for a source image to respective composite frames of a set of one or more composite frames so that the set of composite frames, taken together, provides image data representing the subset of regions; and modifying the encoding parameter data associated with the regions allocated to each composite frame so that the encoding parameter data corresponds to that of a frame comprising those regions allocated to that composite frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid including contaminant and or sediment particles. The method includes the steps of: selecting a particle of a first size to be filtered; selecting a first mesh material having a pore size greater than the first size; and selecting a number of layers of the first mesh material for forming a filtration material having an absolute micron rating. The absolute micron rating has a value equal to or less than the first size. The method also includes the step of arranging the layers of first mesh material in a manner so as to form a stack of first mesh material. The method further includes the step of passing a fluid through the stack of first mesh material.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid. The method includes the step of selecting a first surface filtration medium to include layers of a first mesh material (FMM). The method also includes the step of selecting a second surface filtration medium to include layers of a second mesh material (SMM). The layers of FMM are selected to include a first number of layers (FNL) for collectively providing a first absolute micron filter rating (FAMFR) and a first capacity for collecting a first type of particles. The layers of SMM are selected to include a second number of layers (SNL) different from the FNL. The SNL is selected for collectively providing a second absolute micron filter rating (SAMFR). The SAMFR is different from the FAMFR. The SNL is also selected for providing a second capacity for collecting a second type of particles. The second capacity is different from the first capacity.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid. The method includes the step of selecting a first surface filtration medium to include layers of a first mesh material (FMM). The method also includes the step of selecting a second surface filtration medium to include layers of a second mesh material (SMM). The layers of FMM are selected to include a first number of layers (FNL) for collectively providing a first absolute micron filter rating (FAMFR) and a first capacity for collecting a first type of particles. The layers of SMM are selected to include a second number of layers (SNL) different from the FNL. The SNL is selected for collectively providing a second absolute micron filter rating (SAMFR). The SAMFR is different from the FAMFR. The SNL is also selected for providing a second capacity for collecting a second type of particles. The second capacity is different from the first capacity.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid. The method includes the step of selecting a first surface filtration medium to include layers of a first mesh material (FMM). The method also includes the step of selecting a second surface filtration medium to include layers of a second mesh material (SMM). The layers of FMM are selected to include a first number of layers (FNL) for collectively providing a first absolute micron filter rating (FAMFR) and a first capacity for collecting a first type of particles. The layers of SMM are selected to include a second number of layers (SNL) different from the FNL. The SNL is selected for collectively providing a second absolute micron filter rating (SAMFR). The SAMFR is different from the FAMFR. The SNL is also selected for providing a second capacity for collecting a second type of particles. The second capacity is different from the first capacity.

Abstract: A filter bag for use in a liquid filtering system is provided. The filter bag comprises a filtration layer. The filtration layer is defined by one or more filter mediums. The filter mediums can be composed of an adsorbent material disposed between two thin wall substrates. The adsorbent material can be a granular activated carbon. The thin wall substrates can be selected to be highly porous thin wall substrates. The filter bag can further comprise one or more diffusion mediums. The diffusion mediums can be defined by a woven or a non-woven mesh material. The mesh material can be selected from a suitable material that is temperature and fluid compatible with the filtering application to be carried out. The filter bag can include alternating layers of medium having one or more filter mediums and one or more diffusion mediums.

Abstract: Filter basket assemblies (108) and filter element assemblies (110) for use in a liquid filtering system (100). Each of the assemblies comprises ring gaskets (202, 204, 402, 404) and a body (or collar). The body (206, 706) has a continuous annular sidewall (208, 708) disposed around a central axis and a flange (210, 710) extending radially outward from the annular sidewall. The flange includes a first face (212, 712) and an opposing second face (214, 714). Each of the faces extends transverse to the annular sidewall. Each of the faces has one of the ring gaskets circumferentially disposed thereon around the central axis. The ring gaskets can have the same or different diameters. The first ring gasket can be positioned coaxial with the second ring gasket.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid including contaminant and or sediment particles. The method includes the steps of: selecting a particle of a first size to be filtered; selecting a first mesh material having a pore size greater than the first size; and selecting a number of layers of the first mesh material for forming a filtration material having an absolute micron rating. The absolute micron rating has a value equal to or less than the first size. The method also includes the step of arranging the layers of first mesh material in a manner so as to form a stack of first mesh material. The method further includes the step of passing a fluid through the stack of first mesh material.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid. The method includes the step of selecting a first surface filtration medium to include layers of a first mesh material (FMM). The method also includes the step of selecting a second surface filtration medium to include layers of a second mesh material (SMM). The layers of FMM are selected to include a first number of layers (FNL) for collectively providing a first absolute micron filter rating (FAMFR) and a first capacity for collecting a first type of particles. The layers of SMM are selected to include a second number of layers (SNL) different from the FNL. The SNL is selected for collectively providing a second absolute micron filter rating (SAMFR). The SAMFR is different from the FAMFR. The SNL is also selected for providing a second capacity for collecting a second type of particles. The second capacity is different from the first capacity.

Abstract: A composition which includes polymethylmethacrylate and an organoclay functionalized with intercalation agent, wherein said intercalation agent is a reaction product of a polyamine and an alkyl halide in a polar solvent, preferably a dimethyl, ditallow ammonium functionalized monmorillonite clay as shown in (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a drug to a target site of a body comprising: a dispersing member adapted to vibrate when acoustically excited; a source of acoustic energy controllable to couple acoustic energy to the dispersing member to excite it to vibrate; and a drug adhered to the dispersing member so that when the acoustic source excites the dispersing member, the drug is dispersed therefrom.

Abstract: An amusement device that includes an elastic ball, a rigid, generally rectangular platform surrounding the ball so as to give the ball a figure eight appearance, an elongated elastic handle extending upwardly from the center of the ball, and a plurality of straps releasably securing the handle to the platform. The handle includes an upper section, a lower section, and a bar extending generally horizontally outwardly from the upper section of the handle. The bar may be grasped by a person while bouncing on the ball. The handle and the ball are made from an elastic material such as rubber.

Abstract: An amusement device that includes an elastic ball, a rigid, generally rectangular platform surrounding the ball so as to give the ball a figure eight appearance, an elongated elastic handle extending upwardly from the center of the ball, and a plurality of straps releasably securing the handle to the platform. The handle includes an upper section, a lower section, and a bar extending generally horizontally outwardly from the upper section of the handle. The bar may be grasped by a person while bouncing on the ball. The handle and the ball are made from an elastic material such as rubber.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for analysis of data obtained from certain pulmonary testing procedures, in particular from whole body plethysmography or from the forced oscillation technique. The improved computer-implemented methods automatically recognize data that has been distored by patient behaviors during testing. This invention also provides computer systems that interface to devices that perform whole body plethysmography and/or the forced oscillation technique and automatically execute the methods of this invention. This invention also provides for distribution of software that causes computer systems to perform the methods of this invention.