Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced touchscreen input and emotional expressiveness and may include, in a handheld communication device comprising a user input mechanism, a processor, and a display: receiving textual information in a message window via the user input mechanism; entering an alternative information entry screen based on a swipe across the user input mechanism; and inserting one or more elements of visual information into the message window based on a user selection. The alternative information entry screen may comprise a camera, graphics interface exchange (GIF), emoji, video library, audio clip, or photo library entry screen, which may be selected based on a direction of the swipe across the user input mechanism. The device may switch back to textual information entry mode in the message window when the user input mechanism senses an opposite direction swipe by the user.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided that allow for acquiring and/or communicating data associated with a location. Embodiments of the present invention allow a mobile communication device to detect a sensor associated with a particular location, and information about that location is provided to the mobile communication device. Other embodiments allow data to be detected and processed in order to characterize a location and objects contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector. Embodiments may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber to the gripped element; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element through the vacuum chamber in the y-axis until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures adjusted in beam direction during use, both manually and remotely by an operator. The head of the manual fixture is mounted rotatably between two standards, which are attached to a base, such that the attachments can be moved vertically along the standards to adjust the distance between the head and base. The remote fixture uses a two-axis mirror for beam direction and at least one additional axis of adjustment. Improvements to power and data distribution and pre-rig truss are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for semantic visual communication may include in a handheld communication device including a user input mechanism, a processor, and a display: receiving textual information via said user input mechanism in the handheld communication device; analyzing the textual information using the processor and one or more algorithms; generating meta information based on the analysis; and providing semantic visual information content on the display based on the meta information for selection by a user. The user input mechanism may comprise a touchscreen display. The semantic visual information may comprise a looping visual or a static image, and may be provided from a content library stored on the handheld communication device or stored on a device wirelessly coupled to the handheld device. Selected semantic visual information may be modified based on received user input. The modifying may comprise incorporating the received textual information into the selected semantic visual information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector. Embodiments may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber to the gripped element; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element through the vacuum chamber in the y-axis until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying the presence of a target molecule or ion. The system comprises a solid support, and at least one chemical reagent applied to the solid support. Each chemical reagent produces a presumptive color indication that identifies or excludes the presence of a target molecule or ion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a visual overlay may include placing a visual display on a surface of an eye; generating energy in the visual display using one or more energy conversion devices in the visual display; and providing images to the eye via the visual display. Energy may be generated in the visual display via thermoelectric conversion, the conversion of mechanical energy using micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices in the visual display, via reception of RF signals from a device external to the visual display, or conversion of visible light to electrical current. Energy in the visual display may be generated via electrochemical reactions with liquids on the surface of the eye. The visual display may comprise energy storage. Energy may be generated in the visual display via absorption of infrared radiation from the eye. The visual display may include a contact lens shape.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for conditioning the temperature of the air in a substantially confined space, such as a room, is disclosed. The conditioning system is complete and integrated in a portable unit suitable for insertion in a wall opening, such as a window. The operative elements are divided between two separate enclosures, each attached to a common structure, the support capable of resting on the window sill, with one such enclosure on each side of the wall. At least the heat exchanger conditioning room air is disposed in the enclosure in the room side of the wall. At least the compressor is segregated in the other enclosure, on the other side of the wall of the conditioned space. And both enclosures sit substantially below the sill line. Obstruction of the window opening is much reduced over prior art units. Installation is easier and safer.

Abstract: High-pressure fluid jet systems are provided which include a pump to selectively provide a source of high-pressure fluid, a cutting head assembly configured to receive the high-pressure fluid and generate a high-pressure fluid jet for processing workpieces or work surfaces, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the pump and the cutting head assembly to route the high-pressure fluid from the pump to the cutting head assembly. The pump, the cutting head assembly and/or the fluid distribution system include at least one fluid distribution component having a unitary body formed from an additive manufacturing or casting process with an internal passage having at least a curvilinear portion to efficiently route matter through the fluid jet system. Example fluid distribution components include fittings, valve bodies, cutting head bodies and nozzles of the high-pressure fluid jet systems.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided that allow for acquiring and/or communicating data associated with a location. Embodiments of the present invention allow a mobile communication device to detect a sensor associated with a particular location, and information about that location is provided to the mobile communication device. Other embodiments allow data to be detected and processed in order to characterize a location and objects contained therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method may include attaching a sensor near an area of a user's body associated with speech production, detecting an electrical signal from the user's nervous system through the sensor, and processing the detected electrical signal to provide communication capability for the user. The processing may include extracting a set of features of the detected electrical signal. The extracted set of features may be compared with a set of prototype features. The set of prototype features may correspond to at least one of multiple response classes. The multiple response classes may include an affirmative response class and a negative response class.

Abstract: A composite transparent conducting film (TCF) on a substrate that includes a first region extending to a first depth of the TCF and having a higher density (lower porosity) than a second region of the TCF located at a different depth of the TCF. A method of forming the composite TCF includes applying a transparent conducting layer onto a substrate or onto a second layer previously formed on the substrate, and rapidly heating the transparent conducting layer resulting in a first region extending to a first depth of the transparent conducting layer that is at least partially melted and of a higher density (lower porosity) than a second region located at a different depth of the transparent conducting layer that is not melted, thereby forming a composite TCF that has a change of porosity in a thickness direction of the composite TCF.

Abstract: A coupler assembly is provided for coupling components in a power transmission system, such as a rack and pinion drive system. The coupler assembly includes a floating mount and a pair of clamp members movable between an unfastened configuration in which the floating mount is adjustably supported between the clamp members and a fastened configuration in which the floating mount is fixedly secured between the clamp members. At least a pitch and a yaw of the floating mount are adjustable when the clamp members are in the unfastened configuration. Methods and systems which relate to or include the aforementioned coupler assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that allow for matched content to be provided between users of electronic devices, based on factors such as geographic proximity and common interests. Embodiments of the present invention allow commercial entities to target advertisements and other content to potential customers likely to be receptive to such information based on their interests and behaviors. Other embodiments facilitate communication between non-commercial users by identifying interests they may share or objectives they may have that complement one another.

Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.