Abstract: A logic circuit, or method using the same, may include a memory storing (i) a plurality of partition groups, each partition group including a plurality of partitions, and (ii) a partition map defining an address and access mode for each of said partitions, defining different access modes for at least some of the partitions. The plurality of partition groups may comprise (i) a general use partition group including a first consumable level counter; (ii) a second use partition group including a second incrementally updatable consumable level counter; and (iii) a guide partition group including a use indicator to indicate which of the first and second consumable level counters to use.

Abstract: Reprocessing of a replaceable supply component may include receiving from an encoding device and using an interface communicatively coupled to the encoding device, a request blob to reprocess a replaceable supply component. The method may include in response to cryptographically verifying the request blob, extracting from the request blob, a supply identifier and raw supply data. The method further includes using the supply identifier and raw supply data, generating a reprocess structure to append or amend original manufacturing data for the replaceable supply component, and providing a response blob to the encoding device, to designate the replaceable supply component as a reprocessed supply component.

Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for utilizing tools larger than the cannula bore of an endoscope in an endoscopic procedure. The system includes an endoscope having a cannula with an open or ported distal end. The ported distal end allows the shaft of an elongated tool having an oversized functional distal end to extend through the port with the oversized end in front of cannula bore. The tool and endoscope cannula are placed through a dilator tube that extends from outside the patient to the surgical site. A removeable and re-attachable handle is securable to the shaft of the oversized tool, which allows the surgeon to manipulate the tool through the cannula while visualizing the procedure utilizing the endoscope. This construction allows the surgeon to utilize tools that are too large to fit through the cannula of the endoscope including curettes, rasps, burrs, trials, Kerrison's, shavers and inserters.

Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.

Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.

Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.

Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a method and system for harnessing wind energy using a tethered airfoil. During a traction phase, wind is allowed to extend a kite tether. Wind energy that is harnessed through extension of the kite tether is mechanically stored prior to using the wind energy that is stored to generate electricity. During a retraction phase, the wind energy that is mechanically stored during the traction phase is used to retract the kite tether. Beneficially, the mechanical storage allows the kite tether to be retracted without relying on electricity from an electrical grid.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a method and system for harnessing wind energy using a tethered airfoil. During a traction phase, wind is allowed to extend a kite tether. Wind energy that is harnessed through extension of the kite tether is mechanically stored prior to using the wind energy that is stored to generate electricity. During a retraction phase, the wind energy that is mechanically stored during the traction phase is used to retract the kite tether. Beneficially, the mechanical storage allows the kite tether to be retracted without relying on electricity from an electrical grid.

Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing data, including image data. The image data is formed by a pixel array, the pixel array having target pixels and prior pixels, each prior pixel being located in a position within the pixel array prior to each of the target pixels. The method of the present invention includes compressing the image data to obtain a compressed image. In the compression step, the pixel array is traversed according to a predetermined non-linear two-dimensional traversing pattern. A longest matching prior pixel string, if any, is located for each string of target pixels having a string of matching prior pixels. If no matching prior pixel is found for a target pixel, each such target pixel is characterized as an unmatched pixel. Finally, the compressed image is encoded and may be either transmitted or stored.