Abstract: A CMOS image sensor with a many million pixel count. Applicants have developed techniques for combining its continuous layer photodiode CMOS sensor technology with CMOS integrated circuit lithography stitching techniques to provide digital cameras with an almost unlimited number of pixels. A preferred CMOS stitching technique exploits the precise alignment accuracy of CMOS stepper processes by using specialized mask sets to repeatedly produce a single pixel array pattern many times on a single silicon wafer with no pixel array discontinuities. The single array patterns are stitched together lithographically to form a pixel array of many million pixels. A continuous multilayer photodiode layer is deposited over the top of the many million pixel array to provide a many million pixel sensor with a fill factor of 100 percent or substantially 100 percent.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is described in the form of a controlled discharge device for controlling discharge from the stoma and/or an ostomy pouch for collecting discharged waste. The appliance may include one or more of: an elastomeric stoma seal for providing a seal around or directly against the stoma; a stoma occluder for occluding the stoma without passing internally into the stoma; a peristomal foam wall; a confinement seal for confining at least solid excreta to a confinement region adjacent to the stoma; a stowable collector bag; and interchangeable controlled discharge devices and ostomy pouches. The foam wall may provide a barrier to stool, but allow escape of flatus. The foam wall and/or the stoma occluder and/or the confinement seal may apply a force in a direction to increase the sealing force on the stoma seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair care component and method of manufacture for use in a hair coloring system. In one embodiment of the invention, a hair care component for use in a hair coloring system includes a mixture resulting from blending an aqueous solution, an emulsion, and a cationic water-in-oil liquid dispersion of an alkylene, olefinically unsaturated (alkyl)amide. The emulsion includes a polysiloxane (A)-polyoxyalkylene (B) block copolymer of an (A-B)n-type. The copolymer includes an aminofunctional silicone. The liquid dispersion inverts from the water-in-oil phase to an oil-in-water phase when mixed with the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A hydroponics tray (10) comprising a receptacle portion (12) bounded by a peripheral wall (14) which terminates in an upper peripheral rim (16), the receptacle portion (12) defining a plant support portion (24) having a first end (32) and a second end (34), a first reservoir (18) disposed adjacent the first end (32) and a second reservoir (20) disposed adjacent the second end (34), the first and second reservoirs (18,20) adapted to supply mineral nutrient solution (80) to the plant support portion (24), wherein in use, the plant support portion first end (32) is higher than the second end (34) such that when the first reservoir (18) supplies solution (80) from the first end (32) the solution runs to the second end (34) and when the second reservoir (20) supplies solution (80) from the second end (34) the plant support portion (24) is substantially filled with solution (80).

Abstract: In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for creating three-dimensional images of non-linear properties and the compressional to shear velocity ratio in a region remote from a borehole using a conveyed logging tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for personalizing cards and other secure identification documents. The card personalization system and method provide improved data integrity, system reliability, and system performance. Improvements to card handling and processing within the modules, improved card transfer between modules, improvements to control of the modules, and other improvements are set forth, all of which contribute, individually and collectively, to achieving these goals.

Abstract: In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for creating three-dimensional images of non-linear properties and the compressional to shear velocity ratio in a region remote from a borehole using a conveyed logging tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making bags is disclosed. It includes receiving a film and imparting a plurality of successive seals to the film to form bags. The location of the imparted seals is determined by monitoring at least two sensors. A plurality of perforations are imparted to the film at locations relative to a corresponding seal in response to the determination. The position of a perforator such as rotary position, of a knife may be controlled in response to determining the location. The seals may be formed by a rotary drum, and the perforation by a rotary knife. The sensors may be at the same or different cross machine direction and/or machine direction locations. Startup may include adjusting and recording the position of a prior perforation relative to a prior corresponding seal, and using that recording as a base relative location in another embodiment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (400A) is generally directed to allowing fluid sources or other fluid delivery components to be reused with multiple fluid targets (318), and includes at least one fluid source (314) fluidly interconnectable with at least one sterilization zone (316) and at least one fluid target (318). This sterilization zone (316) could include one or more sterilization systems that attempt to neutralize contaminants entering the fluid delivery system (400A) by a backflow from the fluid target (318). One such sterilization system (500A-D) includes a container (502a-d) and a flush system (520) for sterilizing the container (502a-d) between uses. Another sterilization system (600) includes a flowpath (604) exposed to an output of an energy source (602) capable of destroying contaminants. Yet another sterilization system could include a sterilizing substance (710) that engages and moves along an interior surface (705) of a housing (704) to treat contamination thereon.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring pressure in a non-fluid-filled area of a patient's body. The device includes a capsule having an outer wall and a base surface that define an inner cavity, which retains fluid. The outer wall of the capsule can be made of a flexible material. The device also has a pressure sensor that measures external pressure placed on the outer wall of the capsule. Methods of use include providing the device, positioning the device in the non-fluid-filled area, and measuring pressure within the non-fluid-filled area. The pressure measurement is compared with a predetermined pressure threshold, and a treatment regimen is generated based on the differences between the measured pressure and the predetermined pressure threshold.

Abstract: Pixel circuits, capable of operating in either “snapshot” or “rolling integration” mode, and compatible with a conformal photodiode coating. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are compatible with these coating materials, as well as others, including amorphous Silicon. The preferred pixel circuits includes additional transistors not provided in prior art pixel circuits to divert leakage current away from integration nodes when not integrating, to reset the integration node, and to buffer and select the integrated voltage.

Abstract: A rotary bag machine and method for making bags from a film are disclosed. They include a rotary drum, an accumulation nip, a blanket that positions the film against the drum, and a blanket tensioner located away from the accumulation nip. The drum includes at least one seal bar mounted thereon, and the accumulation nip provides the film to the drum. Various aspects include the accumulation nip being in a fixed position independent of changes of the drum diameter, and/or the path from the accumulation nip to the drum being fixed in length, independent of changes of the drum diameter. An accumulation sensor and a controller that controls the accumulation nip speed and the drum speed in response to the sensor are provided in one embodiment. The speed control is in response to the speed of the film, the rate of change of a function of the input, response history, and/or a setpoint, in various alternatives.

Abstract: A communication system providing wireless communication among wireless users through a number of cellular base stations. The system includes a connecting station with a millimeter wave wireless transceiver in communication with a fiber optic or high-speed cable communication network. The transceiver is adapted to communicate at millimeter wave frequencies higher than 60 GHz with another millimeter wave transceiver at one of the cellular base stations. Each of the base stations serves a separate communication cell. Each base station is equipped with a low frequency wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless users within the cell at a radio frequency lower than 6 GHz. In preferred embodiments the system a part of a telephone system, an Internet system or a computer network.

Abstract: A synchronous reaction cell, rotating as a unit, disassociates hydrogen from water, traps and filters hydrogen, mixes and pressurizes hydrogen and ingested carbon, hydrogenates carbon by surface catalysis, isolates and exhausts liquid hydrocarbon products above a desired density, recirculates gaseous products for further reaction, and expands steam through a turbine to produce rotation and turn an electrical generator. Solar energy focused by heliostats is one means of supplying process heat. Burning natural gas or another fossil fuel in oxygen freed by the disassociation of water provides alternative sources of heat. The reaction cell has a vertical axis-of-rotation making it conducive to mounting on a tower disposed at the center of an array of heliostats. The rotating reaction cell has a large, cylindrical heat-absorbing surface. Electrical output might be used to aim heliostats. Excess electrical generation might be added to the local electrical grid and sold for its value.

Abstract: A system and method for personalizing cards and other secure identification documents. The card personalization system and method provide improved data integrity, system reliability, and system performance. Improvements to card handling and processing within the modules, improved card transfer between modules, improvements to control of the modules, and other improvements are set forth, all of which contribute, individually and collectively, to achieving these goals.

Abstract: The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.

Abstract: A plasma arc reactor and process for producing a powder from a solid feed material, for example aluminium, is provided. The reactor comprises: (a) a first electrode (5), (b) a second electrode (10) which is adapted to be spaced apart from the first electrode by a distance sufficient to achieve a plasma arc therebetween, (c) means for introducing a plasma gas into the space between the first and second electrodes, (d) means for generating a plasma arc in the space between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a channel (7) running therethrough, an outlet of the channel exiting into the space between the first and second electrodes, and wherein means are provided for feeding solid material (20) through the channel to exit therefrom via the outlet into the space between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for unified visual measurement of blur and noise distortions in digital image data, the system including a processor, an input adapter in signal communication with the processor for receiving digital image data, a visual discrimination model (VDM) simulation unit in signal communication with the processor, a just noticeable difference (JND) analysis unit in signal communication with the processor, and a JND selection unit in signal communication with the processor; and the method including receiving digital image data, simulating a single-ended VDM, analyzing individual JND channels, including the responses of the highest spatial frequency channel(s), and selecting a reference JND level corresponding to low noise and blur distortions.

Abstract: A method of determining a telephony network node for routing a call is disclosed. The method includes receiving a call request at a service provider node, the call request including a called number to reach a called party. The method further includes sending a combined telephone number mapping (ENUM) and local number portability (LNP) query from the service provider node to a remote ENUM database, the combined ENUM/LNP query including the called number. The method further includes receiving a response to the combined ENUM/LNP query at the service provider node. The response includes one of an internet protocol address that identifies a node of an internet protocol network, a local routing number (LRN) to be used to route the call to a uniquely identified switching node of a circuit-switched network, or a return of the called number to indicate that the called number can be used to route the call to the called party.