Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from a reservoir. In various embodiments, a plunger head within a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. In some embodiments, both a reservoir and a plunger head within the reservoir are shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is configured to perform procedures to protect against malfunction or damage to an HDD or other mass storage device in the cell phone, in response to receiving an indication of an incoming call. The protection procedures can include delaying one or more cell phone operations, and/or sending instructions to an HDD or other mass storage device including instructions to complete an operation, suspend an operation, park a head and/or spin down an HDD. In a cell phone which provides for extended playback, e.g., of audio or video, the cellular telephone preferably is configured to avoid interruptions of playback, e.g., during suspension or HDD operation.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: An adaptive communication system and method for use in an electronic toll collection system utilizing transponders located in vehicles travelling on a toll roadway. A transponder memory stores configuration type data that identifies the type of the vehicle carrying the transponder, the transponder or the transponder's mounting. The transponder transmits the configuration type data to the communication system. The communication system includes a memory which contains a database of predetermined communication parameters for various types of configuration types. The communication system looks up the predetermined communication parameters for the configuration type and adjusts variable communication parameters accordingly. Predetermined communication variables may include the transmit power of an antenna, or the receive sensitivity of the antenna or the position of the vehicle in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful communication.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: A locking data cable (24) is disclosed. The data cable (24) includes a data plug (26) and an associated lock (32). When the data plug (26) is engaged with a data port (16) of a data storage device (12), an actuator (38) of the locking data cable (24) may be used to change the lock (32) from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium filled into a reservoir. A fluidic medium may be forced from a vial into a reservoir. A vial may be degassed prior to being used to fill a reservoir. A filling process may be automated and a membrane may be located in a fluid flow path to trap air bubbles in a fluidic medium being filled into a reservoir.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: A finger gripping force measuring device includes a housing having a pressure detecting device, one or more knobs attached to the pressure detecting device for engaging with a finger of a user, and for allowing the finger of the user to apply a pressing force against the pressure detecting device with the knobs, and a displayer coupled to the pressure detecting device for receiving signals from the pressure detecting device and for displaying the pressing force applied against the pressure detecting device. The housing includes a circuit board coupled to the pressure detecting device, for supporting the pressure detecting device.

Abstract: A key signals input apparatus and related operating method used for reducing chip I/O number is described. The key signals input apparatus has a plurality of keys and a signal conversion module. The signal conversion module converts key signals into an analog voltage before directing to the chip for further processing. An analog signal decoding module designed in the chip decodes the analog signal so as to recover a plurality of input key values such that the chip may perform further operations according to the indication of the key signals.

Abstract: A smart earphone device for use with a host device includes an earphone and a detection element. The earphone is capable of converting sound signals provided by the host device into audible sound. The detection element provides detection output from which it can be determined whether or not the earphone is in a listening position. The detection output can be used to cause the host device to control or perform an operation.

Abstract: A key signals input apparatus and related operating method used for reducing chip I/O number is described. The key signals input apparatus has a plurality of keys and a signal conversion module. The signal conversion module converts key signals into an analog voltage before directing to the chip for further processing. An analog signal decoding module designed in the chip decodes the analog signal so as to recover a plurality of input key values such that the chip may perform further operations according to the indication of the key signals.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for selectively cooling or warming tissue within a patient's vasculature. The present invention utilizes novel heat exchanging devices, which reside inside the catheter body for selectively altering the temperature of fluid that flows through the catheter shaft. In addition, the present invention utilizes novel pumping devices, which reside within a patient's vasculature for withdrawing oxygenated blood into the catheter body where heat exchange occurs across a heat transfer interface for selective cooling or warming of the blood occurs. The present invention can be used in a multiplicity of medical disciplines where it is advantageous to selectively alter the temperature of tissue, including beating heart applications, as well as stopped heart medical interventions.