Abstract: A method and system for identifying a defocus wafer by mapping a topography of each wafer in a first wafer batch using a level sensor apparatus (100); calculating a focus spot deviation (402) from the data, the focus spot deviation (402) corresponding to a height by which a focus spot of a photo exposure module would be defocused by the topography; converting the focus spot deviation (402) to a corresponding wafer stage set point to which the photo exposure module is set, to focus the focus spot on each wafer in the wafer batch; and identifying a defocus wafer in the wafer batch, as a wafer having a topography that would defocus the focus spot, even when the photo exposure module is set to the wafer stage set point.

Abstract: Various implementations of the described subject associate a plurality of threads that are sorted based on thread priority with a run queue in a deterministic amount of time. The run queue includes a first plurality of threads, which are sorted based on thread priority. The second plurality of threads is associated with the run queue in a bounded, or deterministic amount of time that is independent of the number of threads in the associated second plurality. Thus, the various implementations of the described subject matter allow an operating system to schedule other threads for execution within deterministic/predetermined time parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses involving biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement and, more specifically, to methods and apparatuses involving biocompatible structures formed by three-dimensional fabrication for tissue engineering and organ replacement. In some embodiments, the biocompatible structures are scaffolds for cells that can be used as tissue engineering templates and/or as artificial organs. The structures may be three-dimensional and can mimic the shapes and dimensions of tissues and/or organs, including the microarchitecture and porosities of the tissues and organs. In some cases, a structure formed by three-dimensional fabrication comprises a wall defining a cavity and a plurality of pores in at least a portion of the wall. The pores may permeate the wall and enable exchange of a component (e.g., a molecule and/or a cell) between a portion interior to the cavity and a portion exterior to the cavity.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle powertrain system comprising an electric motor and transmission where the electric motor is operably and selectively coupled to the transmission and adapted to provide an output torque contribution thereto, and the electric motor has a predetermined maximum motor output torque and a predetermined minimum motor output torque which are used to determine a range of permissible control points for at least one transmission control parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for regulating the temperature of a chemical and/or biological sample and a method of using the same. The apparatus includes at least one temperature control module. The temperature control module includes a heater, a conductor of caloric, and a temperature sensor. The heater of the temperature control module is adapted to thermally communicate with a removable substrate, on which said chemical and/or biological sample is placed, via the conductor of caloric. The temperature sensor of the temperature control module is adapted to detect and control the temperature of the substrate via the conductor of caloric. The apparatus is designed such that the substrate is situated above said temperature control module to entirely cover said temperature control module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control acceleration of a vehicle equipped with an electrically variable transmission and including a regenerative braking system, each are operably connected to a vehicle driveline. The method and apparatus include determining which one of a preselected shift selector position for the transmission is commanded, and determining operator demand for acceleration, using inputs from throttle pedal and brake pedal. Vehicle acceleration is measured, and magnitude of commanded torque transferred from the electrically variable transmission and the regenerative braking system to the vehicle driveline is controlled based upon the commanded preselected shift selector position, the operator demand for acceleration, and the measured vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: A method for providing traction control in vehicle powertrain systems is particularly adapted for traction control in a powertrain system of a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission that is operatively coupled to the electric machine and the engine and adapted to provide a transmission torque output in response to a transmission torque input received as a torque output from either or both of the engine and the electric machine. The method is adapted to utilize conventional traction control and engine control hardware, software and communication standards to implement traction control. In one embodiment of the invention, a conventional traction controller is used to detect a wheel spin condition and provide a plurality of first output torque command messages in response thereto.

Abstract: A vehicular powertrain has output torque established in accordance with various torque contributions in including throttle and brake torques. Throttle torque contribution is reduced proportionally to the amount of brake torque requested. Furthermore, such torque reductions are less aggressively applied with increasing throttle torques requested.

Abstract: A device and method for determining a concentration of a biological target including capturing an image of a ticket that contains the biological target; extracting a region of interest from the captured image; detecting a target from the extracted region of interest; computing intensity of the target in the region of interest; and determining the concentration of the biological target according to the computed intensity.

Abstract: A method for reconnecting a wireless system in an interference environment is provided. The wireless system comprises a host and an end device. The method searches an available communication channel between the host and the end device asynchronously. The end device informs the host of the condition of the qualified channels through the available communication channel. The host determines the most suitable channel from the qualified channels for reconnection between the host and the end device, and then informs the end device of the most suitable channel through the communication channel. The host and the end device hence switch to the most suitable channel.

Abstract: A wireless communication system, a method and a computer readable medium thereof for maintaining communication in an interference environment are provided. The wireless communication system comprises a selection and distribution device and a terminal device which communicate by a beacon. The beacon comprises a definition of an active period and an inactive period. The method comprises the steps of: the selection and distribution device and the terminal device using a first channel in the active period to communicate initially; and the selection and distribution device using a second channel in the inactive period to communicate with the terminal device if the first channel is interfered.

Abstract: The normal control of an electrically-activated hydraulic valve armature is overridden to automatically and periodically open the armature for flushing out debris that has accumulated between the armature and a seat that the armature is designed to engage. The valve develops fluid pressure for maintaining engagement of a motor vehicle transmission clutch, and when excessive slippage of the clutch is detected, the armature is forced into engagement with the seat until the slippage is reduced or a predetermined period of time has elapsed, after which the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat to provide full flow of hydraulic fluid across the seat to flush out debris that prevents the armature from engaging the seat. During Neutral operation of the transmission, the armature is continuously positioned away from the seat, and during low torque conditions the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat.

Abstract: Various implementations of the described subject matter provide for the management of a multi-dimensional sleep queue, such that a group of threads with a same wake-up time are removed from the multi-dimensional sleep queue in a deterministic amount of time that is independent of the number of threads in the removed group. This is significant because it allows an operating system to schedule other threads for execution within deterministic/predetermined time parameters. Moreover, the described subject matter also provides for inserting new threads into the multi-dimensional sleep queue in a manner that allows other processes to execute during the thread insertion process.

Abstract: A system that determines where a particular XIP component is stored on a medium and loads the component into RAM for execution, providing the ability to demand page specific components at will from storage media, frees up working RAM on memory constrained devices. A Binary File System uses a generic block driver component that loads the XIP code from a block based storage medium. Features of the file system include the ability to load pre-“fixed up” components from a block based device.. The invention thus allows an operating system to load code that was previously Executed In Place (XIP) from a block-oriented device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method for generating geometric patterns from an image having a plurality of ridges and mesh points. The method includes dividing the image into a plurality of local regions with a surface appearance of fluid flow; establishing a mathematical model according to conditions of the plurality of local regions with a surface appearance of fluid flow; solving the mathematical model; and mapping respective values of the solutions of the mathematical model to respective local regions of the image.

Abstract: A case assembly includes a traveling case, a knapsack, and a set of coupling units for coupling removably the knapsack to the traveling case. The traveling case includes first and second casing parts that are coupled to each other. The knapsack includes a bag body and at least one shoulder strap connected to the bag body.

Abstract: A case assembly includes a traveling case, a knapsack, and a separable zipper fastener for connecting detachably the knapsack to a case body of the traveling case. The case body has a first casing part that confines a space for storing articles therein, and a second casing part that is coupled to the first casing part for covering and uncovering the space of the first casing part. The separable zipper fastener includes a first zipper tape provided on the second casing part, a second zipper tape provided on the knapsack, and at least one slider element movably attached to one of the first and second zipper tapes and operable for inter-engaging removably the first and second zipper tapes, thereby connecting detachably the knapsack to the second casing part of the traveling case.

Abstract: A card-feeding mechanism has two rollers positioned before a limiting device, and a roller and a sensor positioned after the limiting device. When a motor rotates clockwise, a transmission device drives the three rollers simultaneously to deliver a card from a front end toward a rear end. When the sensor detects an edge of the card, the motor rotates counterclockwise, and only drives the roller after the limiting device. Then, the card is only driven by the roller after the limiting device, and the rollers before the limiting device are driven by the card.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a powertrain having a retarded diesel engine, an electric machine and energy storage system. The engine and motor are operatively coupled through one or more planetary gearsets and selective coupling paths in accordance with application and release of various torque transfer devices to a drivetrain via an output. Regenerative and retarded engine braking are coordinated to provide priority to energy return to an energy storage system in accordance with predetermined power flow limits.