Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining the shape of a glass sheet during and/or after the forming process. In one example, a system for determining the shape of a glass sheet defining an interior bulk can include a light source, an image capture device and a processor that are configured to calculate the location of an energy centroid within a selected portion of the bulk of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly is provided. The gas turbine engine assembly includes a high-pressure compressor including a first rotor and a second compressor rotor disposed downstream from the first rotor, a high-pressure turbine coupled downstream to the compressor by a first shaft, and an air directing assembly coupled between the first and second compressor rotors for selectively channeling airflow discharged from the first compressor rotor through the first shaft. A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is also provided.

Abstract: By providing a single house (21) which incorporates an elongated probe (22) receiving zone interconnected to a pump member (55), a plurality of automated valves (51-54), a disinfectant dispensing chamber (20), a water supply (41), and a control system for automatically cycling each of the components to achieve the desired result, a fully automated disinfection system (20) for transesophageal ultrasonic probes is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, a simple, easily employed, convenient, fully integrated system (20) is attained for quickly and easily receiving the transesophageal ultrasonic probe in its entirety, supporting the electronic bearing head portion independently from the disinfection portion, and automatically performing various disinfection and rinse cycles for providing a completely disinfected ultrasonic probe member ready for use.

Abstract: A method of measuring the topography of a large, thin, non-flat specular substrate in a production environment with minimal movement of a majority of the measurement apparatus. A gimbal-mounted reflecting element is used to steer a short coherence length probe beam such that the probe beam is substantially perpendicular to a local surface of the substrate. The probe beam and the reference beam are combined and the resulting interference pattern used to characterize defects on the local surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring surface topography of an object includes an optical arrangement capable of directing a first light beam at a surface of the object, providing a second light beam coherent with and spatially phase-shifted relative to the first light beam, and generating an interference beam from the second light beam and a reflection of the first light beam from the surface of the object. The apparatus further includes at least one line scan sensor for detecting and measuring the interference beam.

Abstract: A process for making modified N-acetylated chitosan comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous solution of chitosan in aqueous acid; b) mixing the resulting solution of step a) with an acetylating agent in a chitosan:acetylating agent sub-stoichiometric amount; and c) allowing the chitosan and acetylating agent to react for a length of time sufficient for substantial completion of the acetylation reaction.

Abstract: A method of measuring the topography of a large, thin, non-flat specular substrate in a production environment with minimal movement of a majority of the measurement apparatus. A gimbal-mounted reflecting element is used to steer a short coherence length probe beam such that the probe beam is substantially perpendicular to a local surface of the substrate. The probe beam and the reference beam are combined and the resulting interference pattern used to characterize defects on the local surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in a transparent substrate by simultaneously using a combination of bright field and dark field light sources for illuminating the substrate. The apparatus is capable of detecting both inclusions and surface defects simultaneously while the substrate is in motion, simplifying the characterization of substrates in a manufacturing setting.

Abstract: A system, method a computer usable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform a computer-based method for restoration of a database from a failed data recovery. For each failed data recovery the method generates a log error data set having log records of a faulty transaction unapplied to data due to inconsistency. Log error data set is directly useable by a log analysis tool to regenerate and redo the unapplied faulty transaction to recover the data and by a print log tool to diagnose the faulty transaction. Log records mimic format of records of an archive log data set and identify data objects, faulty transactions on the data objects and a range of the unapplied data objects' updates.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement dispensing system containing a disposable liquid container with a base matrix made of consumable vitamin and mineral supplements. A user of the system may add water or another liquid to the base matrix in the container to create a drink mixture for consumption of nutritional vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feeder element for use in metal casting, said feeder element comprising: (i) a first end for mounting on a mould pattern; (ii) an opposite second end for receiving a feeder sleeve,—and (iii) a bore between—the first and second ends defined by a stepped sidewall; said feeder element being compressible in use whereby to reduce the distance between the first and second ends, wherein the stepped sidewall has a first sidewall region defining the second end of the element and a mounting surface (54) for a feeder sleeve in use, said first sidewall region being inclined to the bore axis by less than 90° and a second sidewall region contiguous with the first sidewall region, said second sidewall region being parallel to or inclined to the bore axis at a different angle to the first sidewall region whereby to define a step in the sidewall. The feeder element offers improvements over the element disclosed in WO2005/051568.

Abstract: Data processing apparatus arranged to receive successive images from a video camera and to receive audio data from a microphone comprises means for detecting inter-image motion in the video images; means for detecting audio signals in the associated audio data satisfying one or more predetermined audio criterion; and activation means, for activating a control function of the data processing apparatus in response to a predetermined sequence of a detection of inter-image motion satisfying one or more predetermined motion criterion and a detection of an audio signal in the associated audio data which satisfies the predetermined audio criteria.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a transparent substrate provides an index-matching fluid between an index-matched optical coupler and a surface of the transparent substrate. The method repeats, at two or more positions along the surface of the transparent substrate, steps of illuminating an inspection volume within the transparent substrate by directing a ribbon of light through the optical coupler and into the transparent substrate and detecting scattered light from the inspection volume at a detector that is optically conjugate with the inspection volume.

Abstract: A method of measuring the topography of a large, thin, non-flat specular substrate in a production environment with minimal movement of a majority of the measurement apparatus. A gimbal-mounted reflecting element is used to steer a short coherence length probe beam such that the probe beam is substantially perpendicular to a local surface of the substrate. The probe beam and the reference beam are combined and the resulting interference pattern used to characterize defects on the local surface.

Abstract: A fluid mixing device (1) includes a chamber (3) and a bluff body (4) defining one end of the chamber (3). A first fluid inlet (5) is located toward an opposite end of the chamber (3) from the bluff body (4) and arranged to direct fluid toward the bluff body (4). A region substantially surrounding the bluff body (4) has a flow divider (8) defining second fluid inlet(s) (11) to the chamber (3) and mixed fluid outlets (12) from the chamber (3). A fluid flow from the first fluid inlet (5) and/or from the second fluid inlet (11) establishes a recirculating vortex system (14) within the chamber and results in a mixture of fluids from the first fluid inlet (5) and the second fluid inlet(s) (11) being directed through the mixed fluid outlets (12).

Abstract: A wireless data network process and system are provided based on a network with prior network-based authentication of a connected mobile node (MN) and with a network connection to a packet gateway node (PGN). The method and system establish and use an authentication mechanism between the MN and the PGN using the network connection. An encrypted channel is then set up between the MN and the PGN based on authentication established with the authentication mechanism. Configuration data is sent from the PGN to the MN using the encrypted channel. The configuration data may then be used by the MN for communication to and from the MN with the PGN via an access point. Any network connected to the PGN via any access point may then be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in a transparent substrate by simultaneously using a combination of bright field and dark field light sources for illuminating the substrate. The apparatus is capable of detecting both inclusions and surface defects simultaneously while the substrate is in motion, simplifying the characterization of substrates in a manufacturing setting.

Abstract: The application is directed to a safety device for a bank note storage apparatus. If banknotes are not place properly in the compartment of the tray but overlie a flange of the safety device as the tray is pushed into the slot and flange will jam between pegs and, causing a body to move back against a spring and a latch to extend downward from the tray. The latch will prevent movement of the tray fully into the enclosure. The user must remove the obstruction before the tray can be moved fully into the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for transferring data. When a transaction commits, multiple data objects that have been changed by the transaction are identified. The multiple data objects are written from local storage to a cache structure using a batch write command. When changed data objects at a first system that are not cached in the shared external storage are written to disk, a batch cross invalidation command is used to invalidate the data objects at a second system. Additionally, multiple data objects are read from the cache structure into a processor storage using a batch castout command.

Abstract: A drill tool comprises a drive shaft (2) that is arranged to allow rotational movement to be transmitted from a drill to a drill bit holder (10) even when the opposite ends of the drive shaft are not axially aligned. The end of the drive shaft housing the drill bit holder (10) can be inserted into a guide member (14) that includes a planar element (18, 42) that is arranged to ensure that the drill bit is maintained at substantially 90° to the surface of a work piece being drilled even if the drill itself is not so aligned.