Abstract: A pump system includes: a housing with a pump and an electric motor therein; a pump inlet with a pump inlet port; a pump outlet with a pump outlet port; a drive shaft rotatably driven by the electric motor, for driving the pump to pressurize fluid received through a main path of the pump from the pump inlet for output from an outlet path to the pump outlet; and a controller having a sensor. A portion of the pressurized fluid is directed to an auxiliary circuit for temperature measurement to provide an internal temperature check point of fluid within the system. The sensor is exposed to the auxiliary path, with or without use of a heat sink. Fluid is redirected to a return path for motor cooling and then a secondary path through the housing to return to the outlet path or the pump inlet.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body having an axis, and proximal and distal end portions spaced apart from one another along the axis. The elongate body is sized and shaped to be received in the body lumen. A tissue-removing element is mounted on the distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner is coupled to the tissue-removing element at a distal end portion of the inner liner. A coupling assembly is disposed in the tissue-removing element for coupling the inner liner to the tissue-removing element. The coupling assembly includes a bushing attached directly to the distal end portion of the inner liner.

Abstract: A vane pump has a rotor and a control slide mounted within an internal chamber of a housing. The rotor has a number of vane mounting openings and vanes. Rotation of the rotor generates a pressure differential between inlet and outlet ports of the pump to draw fluid in and output the fluid out. Both the vane mounting openings and vanes are arranged in pairs that are diametrically opposed to one another with respect to the rotor axis. The vanes in each said pair have an intermediate transfer member extending therebetween that shifts with one vane of each said pair retracting radially inwardly by engagement with the internal surface of the rotor receiving space for extension of the opposing vane of each said pair radially outwardly toward the internal surface of the rotor receiving space. The intermediate transfer member may be a pin provided between the vanes of the pair.

Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump is described. The pump includes a control chamber provided between a housing and a control slide. A pressure-controlled relief valve is in fluid communication with the outlet path and moves to block or unblock a relief port based on output pressure of the lubricant. A feedback channel fluidly connects the control chamber to an inlet path of the pump. The feedback channel further connects to a control port that is connected to a main control valve. The relief valve and control valve are distinct and not fluidly connected. The relief valve moves once the pressure in the outlet path exceeds a predetermined amount, opening the relief port, and thus delivers a portion of the output lubricant to the control chamber via the relief port, thereby pressurizing the control chamber and reducing eccentricity of the pump by displacing the control slide.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body having an axis, and proximal and distal end portions spaced apart from one another along the axis. The elongate body is sized and shaped to be received in the body lumen. A tissue-removing element is mounted on the distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner is coupled to the tissue-removing element at a distal end portion of the inner liner. A coupling assembly is disposed in the tissue-removing element for coupling the inner liner to the tissue-removing element. The coupling assembly includes a bushing attached directly to the distal end portion of the inner liner.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body and a handle mounted to a proximal end portion of the elongate body. The handle is operable to cause rotation of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and is coupled to the handle at a proximal end portion of the inner liner. The inner liner defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner is coupled to the tissue-removing element at a distal end portion of the inner liner such that translational movement of the inner liner in the body lumen causes a corresponding translational movement of the tissue-removing element.

Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump is described. The pump includes a control chamber provided between a housing and a control slide. A pressure-controlled relief valve is in fluid communication with the outlet path and moves to block or unblock a relief port based on output pressure of the lubricant. A feedback channel fluidly connects the control chamber to an inlet path of the pump. The feedback channel further connects to a control port that is connected to a main control valve. The relief valve and control valve are distinct and not fluidly connected. The relief valve moves once the pressure in the outlet path exceeds a predetermined amount, opening the relief port, and thus delivers a portion of the output lubricant to the control chamber via the relief port, thereby pressurizing the control chamber and reducing eccentricity of the pump by displacing the control slide.

Abstract: A laser including: a gain chip; an external cavity incorporating a Bragg grating; and a baseplate; wherein a first end of the gain chip has a high reflectivity facet forming a first end of the laser cavity; a second end of the gain chip has a low reflectivity facet; and a second part of the external cavity comprises a Bragg grating, supported by the baseplate, the temperature of the baseplate being maintained through a feedback loop; wherein the optical length of the external cavity is at least an order of magnitude greater than the optical length of the gain chip; wherein the Bragg grating is physically long and occupies a majority of the length of the external cavity and is apodized to control the sidemodes of the grating reflection.

Abstract: A laser including: a gain chip; an external cavity incorporating a Bragg grating; and a baseplate; wherein a first end of the gain chip has a high reflectivity facet forming a first end of the laser cavity; a second end of the gain chip has a low reflectivity facet; and a second part of the external cavity comprises a Bragg grating, supported by the baseplate, the temperature of the baseplate being maintained through a feedback loop; wherein the optical length of the external cavity is at least an order of magnitude greater than the optical length of the gain chip; wherein the Bragg grating is physically long and occupies a majority of the length of the external cavity and is apodized to control the sidemodes of the grating reflection.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region that is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. The method further identifies a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior indicating that the first person is in the process of manually operating the access control device, and that the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, the method permits the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A laser including: a gain chip; an external cavity incorporating a Bragg grating; and a baseplate; wherein a first end of the gain chip has a high reflectivity facet forming a first end of the laser cavity; a second end of the gain chip has a low reflectivity facet; and a second part of the external cavity comprises a Bragg grating, supported by the baseplate, the temperature of the baseplate being maintained through a feedback loop; wherein the optical length of the external cavity is at least an order of magnitude greater than the optical length of the gain chip; wherein the Bragg grating is physically long and occupies a majority of the length of the external cavity and is apodized to control the sidemodes of the grating reflection.

Abstract: A laser including: a gain chip; an external cavity incorporating a Bragg grating; and a baseplate; wherein a first end of the gain chip has a high reflectivity facet forming a first end of the laser cavity; a second end of the gain chip has a low reflectivity facet; and a second part of the external cavity comprises a Bragg grating, supported by the baseplate, the temperature of the baseplate being maintained through a feedback loop; wherein the optical length of the external cavity is at least an order of magnitude greater than the optical length of the gain chip; wherein the Bragg grating is physically long and occupies a majority of the length of the external cavity and is apodized to control the sidemodes of the grating reflection.

Abstract: Provided is a variable displacement vane pump with a control slide and a first and second control chambers. Also, the pump has a control system for controlling delivery of pressurized lubricant to the chambers. The control system includes a control device configured for movement between at least a first control position and a second control position. The control device may include its own housing and/or include discs configured for relative movement. The pivot pin may include grooves for delivering a flow from the outlet to the control system. In the first control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the first control chamber and the second control chamber is vented, which increases the output flow of the pump. In the second control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the second control chamber and the first control chamber is vented, which decreases the output flow of the pump.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region that is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. The method further identifies a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior indicating that the first person is in the process of manually operating the access control device, and that the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, the method permits the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body and a handle mounted to a proximal end portion of the elongate body. The handle is operable to cause rotation of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and is coupled to the handle at a proximal end portion of the inner liner. The inner liner defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner is coupled to the tissue-removing element at a distal end portion of the inner liner such that translational movement of the inner liner in the body lumen causes a corresponding translational movement of the tissue-removing element.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region within an environment having a plurality of items, wherein the secure region is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method identifies, using image analysis a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior, and the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, deactivating a security element to permit the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region within an environment having a plurality of items, wherein the secure region is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method identifies, using image analysis a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior, and the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, deactivating a security element to permit the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system comprising: a vessel comprising at least one gas distribution nozzle at or near the bottom of the vessel, a top fluid distributor located at or near the top of the vessel, a catalyst inlet through which catalyst is introduced into the vessel, a first contact point at which catalyst introduced into the vessel first contacts the contents of the vessel, and a discharge outlet whereby catalyst exits the vessel. Methods of preparing catalyst slurry for introduction into a downstream reactor or in-situ activation within the vessel utilizing the catalyst loading system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vane pump that employs one or more less restricted vanes (or looser vanes) within its rotor is described herein. The less restricted vane(s) are configured to radially move outwardly before the remaining vanes during startup. In one case, for example, at least one vane has a different thickness (e.g., thinner) as compared to the thickness of the remaining vanes. In another case, at least one slot has a different width (e.g., wider) as compared to the width of the other slots. The less restricted vane facilitates a cold start in highly viscous oil by allowing easier radial displacement and thus earlier initial build-up of pressure in the pump. The pump may be used with an engine or transmission.

Abstract: Provided is a variable displacement vane pump with a control slide and a first and second control chambers. Also, the pump has a control system for controlling delivery of pressurized lubricant to the chambers. The control system includes a control device configured for movement between at least a first control position and a second control position. The control device may include its own housing and/or include discs configured for relative movement. The pivot pin may include grooves for delivering a flow from the outlet to the control system. In the first control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the first control chamber and the second control chamber is vented, which increases the output flow of the pump. In the second control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the second control chamber and the first control chamber is vented, which decreases the output flow of the pump.