Abstract: A piston-cylinder actuator (20) includes a unique mount (36) for an absolute-position sensor (30). The mount (36) is made from a bearing material provides a flexible connection between the sensor mount (36) and the cylinder housing (40). This flexible connection allows the piston rod (32) to deflect naturally, under its own weight or under other laterally-directed forces, while maintaining the distance and perpendicularity between the sensor (30) and the rod surface (34), within acceptable limits. The sensor mount (36) is made from a bearing material that will allow it to float directly on the rod surface (34) without scuffing or otherwise damaging the rod surface (34), particularly the markings or other indicia on that surface (34). Due to the flexible connection between the sensor mount (36) and the cylinder housing (40), the proper distance between the sensor (30) and the rod surface (34) can be maintained at all times.

Abstract: A picture taking device includes at least three camera modules, each having a sensor of resolution equal to or higher than thirteen megapixels. A diagonal of the photosensitive surface of the sensor of between 5 mm and 7 mm. An objective lens opening at minimum to f/2.0 for at least one focal length value. The device has a power supply and, a rigid connector to connect it to a mobile phone or tablet comprising a screen, and communicates images and/or commands with the mobile phone or tablet. The device also includes a digital processor to reduce noise while preserving the textures in at least one image captured by one of the sensors.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) microscope for patterned substrate measurement can include an objective lens, a reflected illuminator, a transmitted illuminator, a focusing adjustment device, an optical sensor, and a processor. The focusing adjustment device can automatically adjust the objective lens focus at a plurality of Z steps. The optical sensor can be capable of acquiring images at each of these Z steps. The processor can control the reflected illuminator, the transmitted illuminator, the focusing adjustment device, and the optical sensor. The processor can be configured to capture first and second images at multiple Z steps, the first image with the pattern using the reflected illuminator and the second image without the pattern using one of the reflected illuminator and the transmitted illuminator.

Abstract: A picture taking device includes a sensor of resolution higher than thirteen megapixels and an objective lens open at minimum to f/2.0 for at least one focal length value. A diagonal dimension of the photosensitive surface of the sensor is greater than 15 mm. A digital processor to reduce noise while preserving the textures in at least one image captured by the sensor. The device has a power supply and a rigid connector to connect it to the mobile phone or tablet type device comprising a screen, and communicates and/or commands with the mobile phone or tablet type device. A picture taking method is provided using the picture taking device.

Abstract: A sensor includes an enclosure having a housing and a lower cassette that cooperate to provide a sealed volume in which an optical sensor assembly is enclosed and protected. The optical sensor assembly includes a circuit board with a light source and a light detector. The sensor assembly further includes a light pipe that guides light from the sensor onto a target and a lens guides reflected light from the target onto the light detector. Lower ends of the light pipe and the lens are supported by a recess in the lower cassette. Upper ends of the light pipe and the lens are supported by an upper cassette. The upper cassette is positively located and mounted to the circuit board and received in an internal receptacle in the lower cassette. Mounting the lower cassette to the housing encloses the optical sensor assembly in the proper alignment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a time release catalyst; injecting the mixture into a patient as a viscous fluid; after injection, activating the catalyst to cross-link the polymer after a predetermined period after injection into a patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic injection. The apparatus includes a processor; a 3D imaging system coupled to the processor; and an injector controlled by the processor to inject filler into a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by storing a non-toxic biocompatible cross-linker; storing a biocompatible polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a predetermined controlled release of selected pharmaceutical substance to modulate soft tissue response to the polymer; mixing the biocompatible cross-linker and polymer into a mixture; injecting the mixture into a patient and during or after injection, cross-linking the polymer in the patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing an HA gel slurry having a plurality of cross-linked units each formed by providing an inner core using a non-biological synthesis process; and cross-linking at a first cross-link strength using a hyaluronic acid (HA) or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) made from a biological synthesis process followed by additional cross-linkings at a second cross-link strength with HA or GAG, wherein the first cross-link strength is stronger than the second cross-link strength.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by storing a non-toxic biocompatible cross-linker; storing a biocompatible polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a predetermined controlled release of selected pharmaceutical substance to modulate soft tissue response to the polymer; mixing the biocompatible cross-linker and polymer into a mixture; injecting the mixture into a patient and during or after injection, cross-linking the polymer in the patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a predetermined controlled release of selected pharmaceutical substance to modulate soft tissue response to the polymer; injecting the mixture into a patient and during or after injection, cross-linking the polymer in the patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A system for capturing at least one image of a scene. The system estimates at least one value representative of the sharpness in at least one area of at least one initial captured image of a scene. The autofocus module captures the initial image with a predefined focus. On the basis of at least the value representative of the estimated sharpness, the system selects a first operating mode or a second operating mode. In the first mode, the autofocus module controls the focus of the system to capture a sharper image of the scene. In the second mode, the initial captured image or another captured image is processed by the digital processing unit, the other image being captured with the predefined focus.

Abstract: A measurement system for monitoring an LED chip surface roughening process is described. A reflective illuminator can run reflectance measurements. A vertical positioning means can adjust a distance between an objective lens and an industrial sample. A horizontal positioning means can move objects in XY plane, and is specifically configured to hold the industrial sample and a reference sample. An optical sensor can acquire images of the industrial sample. A spectrometer can acquire reflectance spectrums of the industrial sample and the reference sample. A processor can control these components. The processor can perform deskew, and calculate an average reflectance and an oscillation amplitude from the reflectance spectrums of the industrial sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cosmetic augmentation by forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a temperature activated catalyst; injecting the mixture into a patient as a homogeneous fluid; activating the catalyst to cross-link the polymer at a predetermined temperature in a patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Described is a golf club swing aid, comprising a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head disposed on one end of the shaft. The club head has an interior cavity, a face, and one or more light sources mounted in said interior cavity and flush with the club head face such that the lights are visible to the user. The lights are electrically connected to a power source positioned within the interior cavity and also to a switch that allows a user to turn the light sources on or off. During the swing, the lights positioned on the face create a faint trail of light that allows a user to visualize the swing path of the golf club. In this way, the user can see the position of the club head throughout the swing and is better able to identify any flaws or inconsistencies in his or her swing.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) by cross-linking a heteropolysaccharide to form a single cross-linked material; and performing one or more additional cross-linkings on the single cross-linked material to form a multiple cross-linked material, wherein the multiple cross-linked material has one or more IPN regions resisting biodegradation in a human body than the single cross-linked material and one or more single cross-linked extensions radiating out from the IPN, wherein the combination of the IPN and the extension provide biodegradation resistance, soft touch feeling, and ease of insertion into the human body.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a seal for a surge relief valve includes a) a valve housing having a flow inlet and a flow outlet; b) an annular retainer for coupling a plug to an interior of the valve housing, the retainer having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom; c) the plug having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom, the plug having a mating junction for coupling with the second end of the retainer, the plug having a first countersink, a second countersink, a first lip defined between the first and second countersinks and a second lip adjacent the second countersink; and d) an annular plug seal having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote from the first end for mating with the second countersink and a lip that abuts the second end of the retainer.

Abstract: A sensor includes an enclosure having a housing and a lower cassette that cooperate to provide a sealed volume in which an optical sensor assembly is enclosed and protected. The optical sensor assembly includes a circuit board with a light source and a light detector. The sensor assembly further includes a light pipe that guides light from the sensor onto a target and a lens guides reflected light from the target onto the light detector. Lower ends of the light pipe and the lens are supported by a recess in the lower cassette. Upper ends of the light pipe and the lens are supported by an upper cassette. The upper cassette is positively located and mounted to the circuit board and received in an internal receptacle in the lower cassette. Mounting the lower cassette to the housing encloses the optical sensor assembly in the proper alignment.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder actuator includes a unique mount for an absolute-position sensor. The mount is made from a bearing material provides a flexible connection between the sensor mount and the cylinder housing. This flexible connection allows the piston rod to deflect naturally, under its own weight or under other laterally-directed forces, while maintaining the distance and perpendicularity between the sensor and the rod surface, within acceptable limits. The sensor mount is made from a bearing material that will allow it to float directly on the rod surface without scuffing or otherwise damaging the rod surface, particularly the markings or other indicia on that surface. Due to the flexible connection between the sensor mount and the cylinder housing, the proper distance between the sensor and the rod surface can be maintained at all times.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a predetermined controlled release of a pharmaceutical substance to modulate soft tissue response to the polymer, the polymer having at least one phase cross-linked, glycosaminoglycan in a physiological buffer solution; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.