Abstract: A polarization control device (360) for compensating phase mismatch, wherein the polarization control device (360) is operably coupleable via at least two radio frequency (RF) feed paths to an antenna arrangement (219) that comprises at least two orthogonally polarized antenna elements. The polarization control device (360) comprises or is operably coupleable to at least one variable phase shifter (420) located on at least one RF feed path. The polarization control device (360) further comprises a processing module (490) configured to: receive and process at least one first RF signal; determine a relative phase mismatch between the at least two RF feed paths to the antenna arrangement (219) of the processed at least one first RF signal; and adjust a phase shift to be applied by the at least one variable phase shifter (420) for phase shifting at least one second RF signal applied to the at least one feed path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless appliance for monitoring a vehicle. The wireless appliance includes a microprocessor configured to select a vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle, and then communicate with the host vehicle through the vehicle-communication protocol. The appliance also includes a vehicle-communication circuit, in electrical communication with the microprocessor, which collects diagnostic data from the host vehicle using the vehicle-communication protocol. A GPS module, also in electrical communication with the microprocessor, generates location-based data. For transmitting these data, the appliance includes a first wireless transmitter operating on a terrestrial network and a second wireless transmitter operating on a satellite network. The microprocessor selects the first or second wireless transmitter for transmitting the diagnostic and location-based data.

Abstract: A file format that includes a constant section and a varying section. The constant section provides a referencing scheme that references the various components that comprise the scene, as well as a listing of attributes of the scene that are modifiable. Within the same file format, the varying section provides an overriding mechanism to modify the attributes that are available to be modified. Accordingly, the disclosed file format can access cached animated geometry directly and/or aggregate other files via the aforementioned referencing and sparse override semantics. This allows the same set of inspection, manipulation, and rendering tools to be used throughout the rendering pipeline, from asset creation to final rendering.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically performing gas optimization after a refill in the chambers of a two chamber gas discharge laser such as an excimer laser is disclosed. The laser is continuously fired at a low power output, and the gas in the amplifier laser chamber bled if necessary until the discharge voltage meets or exceeds a minimum value without dropping the pressure below a minimum value. The power output is increased, and the gas bled again if necessary until the voltage and pressure meet or exceed the minimum values. The laser is then fired in a burst pattern that approximates the expected firing of the laser in operation, and the gas bled if necessary until the discharge voltage meets or exceeds the minimum value and the output energy meets or exceeds a minimum value, again without dropping the pressure in the chamber below the minimum value. Once the minimum values are provided, the process runs quickly without manual interaction.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit comprises a transmitter comprising a power amplifier, an inner feedback power control loop having a power control logic module comprising loop priming logic module operably coupled to the power amplifier, and a switchable outer digital loop comprising switchable logic module. The loop priming logic module is arranged to set a power reference value for controlling the power amplifier prior to a ramping operation of the power amplifier and the switchable logic module switching the switchable outer digital loop on or off, thereby restricting adverse transient behavior of the power amplifier.

Abstract: A storage and drinking container for pressurized beverages includes a drinking vessel 1 having a lip 3 and a lid formed from a cap 5 and retaining ring 12. The cap 5 seals with a surface 4 on the inside neck of the vessel and is retained in place by fingers 8 engaging under a lip 3. The fingers 8 are retained in position by a retaining ring 12. Cooperating sets of cammed surfaces 10 and 13 on cap 5 and ring 12 act on rotation of the ring to axially separate the ring 12 from the cap 5, releasing the fingers 8 from under the lip 3 and permitting the lid to be removed. A drinking vessel with a wide neck can be reliably sealed without the necessity to provide screw threads on the outer surface of the vessel 1.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically performing gas optimization after a refill in the chambers of a two chamber gas discharge laser such as an excimer laser is disclosed. The laser is continuously fired at a low power output, and the gas in the amplifier laser chamber bled if necessary until the discharge voltage meets or exceeds a minimum value without dropping the pressure below a minimum value. The power output is increased, and the gas bled again if necessary until the voltage and pressure meet or exceed the minimum values. The laser is then fired in a burst pattern that approximates the expected firing of the laser in operation, and the gas bled if necessary until the discharge voltage meets or exceeds the minimum value and the output energy meets or exceeds a minimum value, again without dropping the pressure in the chamber below the minimum value. Once the minimum values are provided, the process runs quickly without manual interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically performing a high accuracy gas refill in a laser chamber of a two chamber gas discharge laser such as an excimer laser are disclosed. Based upon a target pressure and halogen concentration that is either predetermined or entered by a user, and with no further user action, a non-halogen containing gas is added to the chamber to a first pressure, followed by the addition of halogen containing gas to a second pressure which is greater than a target pressure for the chamber, such that the halogen content in the gas at the second pressure is at a desired concentration. The gas in the chamber is bled until the pressure drops to the target pressure. The amount of non-halogen containing gas added is estimated automatically, and the amount of halogen containing gas is measured so that the desired concentration is obtained, taking into account both temperature and any gas remaining in the fill pipes from prior laser operation.

Abstract: A dispenser mechanism 1 for a foamed product comprises a liquid chamber 9 and air chamber 10, each compressed by a common actuator mechanism 6a, 6b, wherein the liquid and air simultaneously enter a foaming chamber 15. The liquid is forced through a diffuser 18a defining a plurality of distributed channels 18e, each channel 18e having a predetermined cross section such that in use the liquid is forced through the channels and enters the foaming chamber as a plurality of jets. The dispenser mechanism 1 provides a particularly advantageous arrangement for producing foam and may be arranged to prevent the foam dripping from an outlet after the end of a dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A wireless subscriber communication unit comprises a transmitter having a power amplifier and a feedback power control loop having a power control function arranged to set an output power level of the power amplifier. The power control function is arranged to perform a back-off of the output power prior to completion of a transmission burst.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear, such as boots, shoes, specialty field shoes, woman's shoes, etc, and, more particularly, to a retractable members and retractable member systems adapted to control extension and retraction of the retractable members relative to the bottom of the footwear.

Abstract: A portable workstation has a closed position and an operating position and can be easily installed or removed by one person. A portable workstation has two walls that are hingedly connected to either side of an elongated member with a foldable work surface hingedly connected to both walls, the work surface being shaped to provide a continuous work surface when unfolded. The workstation also has one or more foldable shelves. Preferably, all of the components of the workstation remain connected to the workstation in the closed position and in the operating position, and no assembly is required. One person can install or remove the workstation from a work area without tools.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus also includes a tube including a tube channel. The distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the tube channel. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber disposed on the tube and a cap disposed on the shock absorber.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the offline securing of messages through selective security data replication. A method for selectively replicating security data for offline processing of electronic messages can include identifying a messaging partner associated with the electronic message responsive to processing an electronic message. Subsequently, it can be determined whether electronic messages previously had been received from or transmitted to the identified messaging partner. If it is determined that electronic messages previously had been received from or transmitted to the identified messaging partner, identifying information for the identified messaging partner can be added to a batch listing. Consequently, during a replication process, security data can be selectively replicated from an external repository to a local repository only for security data associated with messaging partners corresponding to identifying information in the batch listing.

Abstract: Fiber optic collimators are disclosed for use in fiber optic rotary joints (20) providing for improvement in insertion loss performance. One embodiment of the fiber optic collimator has a gradient-index rod lens (61) possessing a pitch of less than one-quarter. Improvement in insertion loss arises due to the increase in the effective focal length of the lens as the pitch is reduced, allowing the collimator to achieve a longer working distance. The increase in the effective focal length is accompanied by an increase in the back focal length of the lens, compared to the zero back focal length of the more typical quarter-pitch gradient-index rod lens. The increased back focal length can be filled by a cylindrical glass spacer (64), to which an optical fiber (68) is attached, resulting in a collimator with very similar form factor to the usual quarter-pitch gradient-index rod lens collimator.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a surface configured to emit energy transverse to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a tube including a channel, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the channel of the tube. The apparatus further includes an element disposed at a distal end of the tube such that a pocket is formed in the channel of the tube between the element and the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit comprises a transmitter having a forward path comprising a power amplifier, PA, and a feedback path operably coupled to the power amplifier, wherein the feedback path comprises a coupler arranged to feed back a portion of a signal to be transmitted and a controller logic module arranged to control a power control value of the power amplifier, such that the forward path and feedback path form a closed loop power control. The controller logic module is arranged to determine a gain variation in the transmitter and provide attenuation to a transmit signal passing therethrough on a transmit slot by transmit slot basis and instruct a power backoff where necessary.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising an interface logic module for transmitting data frames across an interface, and controller logic module arranged to control a rate at which the interface logic transmits data across the interface. Upon receipt of data frames to transmit across the interface, the controller logic module is arranged to determine a sequence of data rates with which to transmit sequential data frames across the interface, and to configure the transmission of the data frames across the interface according to the determined data rate sequence. The selection of these data rates will be dependent on specific critical RF frequencies where EMI impacts have to be minimized.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising interface logic for transmitting data bursts across an interface. The interface logic is arranged to transmit bursts of data across the interface such that the start of a burst of data is substantially aligned with a symbol interval (SI) boundary. The interface logic is further arranged to apply an offset to the SI boundary at the start of the burst of data.