Abstract: A text apparatus for measuring the degree of light-sensitivity of a subject, such as a subject with cataracts or migraines. The apparatus comprises a viewing shroud for positioning at least one eye of the subject in a testing position and an illumination source adapted for emitting visible light toward the at least one eye of the subject. The apparatus includes a visual monitor adapted for monitoring the fixation of the at least one eye during testing. A method of the invention exposes at least one eye of a subject to light and either subjects the eye to a continuous, level light intensity or increases the intensity of the light continuously over time. The intensity of the light when the subject experiences discomfort can be recorded. Pulse width modulation can modulate the intensity of the illumination source (e.g., an LED) over time.

Abstract: A stimulus-responsive polymer particulate composition, comprising a first monomer, such as an aqueous microgel derived, for example, from N-isopropylacrylamide, may be rendered less susceptible to aggregation at high shear (e.g. at least as high as 106 s?1) by incorporating into the structure of the particle (e.g. by copolymerisation) of a further monomer, which is not a stimulus-responsive polymer-forming monomer. The further monomer may be incorporated in an amount of up to 25 mol % based on the amount of the first monomer. Such modified polymer particles are suitable for inkjet printing applications (e.g. for printing of aqueous microgels onto low-energy surface substrates).

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice-cube maker is provided. The refrigerator includes a collection container to collect the pieces of ice produced by the ice-cube maker. The collection container has a panel and is removable from the refrigerator. The refrigerator further includes an ice-cube production apparatus associated with the collection container and a cover which blocks access, at a front side, to the ice-cube production apparatus. The cover is rearwardly offset in relation to the panel of the collection container.

Abstract: A sheet of sensors and a method of manufacturing such sheet of sensors. The sheet is configured with (A) a tessellated zipper pattern of identically shaped elements defining (i) a right longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a right set of elements, (ii) a left longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a left set of elements, and (iii) an intermediate longitudinal column consisting of alternating tab portions of the right and left elements, and (B) a continuous longitudinal strip of functional material positioned only within the intermediate column.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring activity on an internet-based social network. Monitoring criteria is pre-established by a client for monitoring activity on a specified user's page of the social network. Activity monitoring access to the specified user's page of the internet-based social network is established via an application programming interface of the social network based on pre-established identification information that identifies the specified user within the internet-based social network. The client is notified when the monitored activity satisfies at least one of the pre-established monitoring criteria.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring activity on an internet-based social network. Monitoring criteria is pre-established by a client for monitoring activity on a specified user's page of the social network. The client is then notified when the monitored activity satisfies at least one of the pre-established monitoring criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to active interference suppression in a satellite communication system, particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method for using active interference suppression in order to suppress co-channel interference between user signals in the communication system. The communication system includes a receive or transmit antenna having a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element associated with a respective antenna element signal. The method includes the steps of calculating complex weighting values for one or more of a plurality of beam signals, adjusting the beam signals in accordance with the calculated complex weighting values and cancelling co-channel interference in at least one of the beam signals using the one or more adjusted derived beam signals to provide an interference suppressed output signal. The complex weighting values can be calculated based on a constant modulus algorithm.

Abstract: A method for configuring a hydraulic actuator to provide energy dissipation capabilities during low energy collisions while controlling energy dissipation during high energy collisions comprises biasing a valve member towards a closed position with a resilient member having a rigidity of between 600 and 1500 lbs/in, applying a low preload to the resilient member, and restricting the flow of fluid by using a stop to limit movement of the valve member away from the closed position.

Abstract: A detector located on a positioning tray has a plurality of colored caps placed by a subject being tested. Each cap has a unique resonant circuit which is selectively energized to indicate cap position to the detector so that color discrimination of the subject may be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to active interference suppression in a satellite communication system, particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method for using active interference suppression in order to suppress co-channel interference between user signals in the communication system. The communication system includes a receive or transmit antenna having a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element associated with a respective antenna element signal. The method includes the steps of calculating complex weighting values for one or more of a plurality of beam signals, adjusting the beam signals in accordance with the calculated complex weighting values and cancelling co-channel interference in at least one of the beam signals using the one or more adjusted derived beam signals to provide an interference suppressed output signal. The complex weighting values can be calculated based on a constant modulus algorithm.

Abstract: A device is used to determine the presence of and the amount (depth) of visual suppression in a subject. The device includes a first light source emitting a first light and a second light source emitting a second light. Intensities of the light sources are independently controllable. A first filter disposed over one eye of the subject allows transmission of the first light and prevents transmission of the second light. A second filter disposed over the other eye of the subject allows transmission of the second light and prevents transmission of the first light. In a method of using the device, the intensity of at least one of the first and second lights is independently controlled, wherein the difference in intensities of the first and second lights at which the lights appear to be at equal brightness to the subject determines the amount of visual suppression in the subject.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the antihelix of a wearer's ear, thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's antihelix and tragus, to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear-mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear-mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the antihelix of the wearer's ear. The ear-mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A text apparatus for measuring the degree of light-sensitivity of a subject, such as a subject with cataracts or migraines. The apparatus comprises a viewing shroud for positioning at least one eye of the subject in a testing position and an illumination source adapted for emitting visible light toward the at least one eye of the subject. The apparatus includes a visual monitor adapted for monitoring the fixation of the at least one eye during testing. A method of the invention exposes at least one eye of a subject to light and either subjects the eye to a continuous, level light intensity or increases the intensity of the light continuously over time. The intensity of the light when the subject experiences discomfort can be recorded. Pulse width modulation can modulate the intensity of the illumination source (e.g., an LED) over time.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the anti-helix of a wearer's ear thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's anti-helix and tragus to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the anti-helix of the wearer's ear. The ear mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A resilient body for supporting in elevated condition the knees of a person lying on a horizontal surface comprises a pair of limbs joined by a reduced thickness neck which facilitates the rocking of the limbs between positions in which the limbs extend in opposite directions from the neck to a selected one of a number of adjusted positions in which the limbs confront one another and form an upstanding arch for supporting the person's knees in an elevated condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprises a cylinder, a piston reciprocatingly received within the cylinder, a piston rod connected to the piston and a pressure release mechanism which allows hydraulic fluid to pass from a first side of the piston to a second side of the piston when the actuator encounters shock loading. This permits the piston to move. The pressure relief mechanism includes a passageway extending from the first side of the piston to the second side of the piston and a valve member adjacent to the passageway which releasably engages the piston. The valve member has a closed position where the valve member closes the passageway and engages the piston. A resilient member biases the valve member towards the closed position. A valve member limiter limits movement of the valve member away from the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling the use of a computer mouse at a sterile surgical site comprises a pouch for the accommodation of the mouse and an inlet sleeve forming an inlet passage into the pouch. The pouch and sleeve are formed of pliable, preferably transparent sterilizable material. When the mouse has been admitted to the pouch via the passage, the sleeve may be separated from the pouch and the open mouth of the latter rolled to form a seal, thereby retaining the mouse within the pouch.

Abstract: A device is used to determine the presence of and the amount (depth) of visual suppression in a subject. The device includes a first light source emitting a first light and a second light source emitting a second light. Intensities of the light sources are independently controllable. A first filter disposed over one eye of the subject allows transmission of the first light and prevents transmission of the second light. A second filter disposed over the other eye of the subject allows transmission of the second light and prevents transmission of the first light. In a method of using the device, the intensity of at least one of the first and second lights is independently controlled, wherein the difference in intensities of the first and second lights at which the lights appear to be at equal brightness to the subject determines the amount of visual suppression in the subject.

Abstract: A porous solid windscreen formed of metal, plastic or the like covers the microphone without the need for the familiar large foam ball of material over the microphone. In a disclosed embodiment, the windscreen is a monolithic structure formed by sintering the material so as to produce a relatively consistent and desired sized pore structure. The wind screen is preferably sintered while in a mold, thereby allowing it to be formed in a variety of form factors including substantially arcuate structures or non-symmetrical structures and the like to accommodate desired aesthetic and/or acoustic needs.