Abstract: A rocker module can be uses with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules. The rocker module includes a tubular frame and a marble guide. The tubular frame has a first and second connection bosses configured to connect to corresponding connectors of other marble run modules. The first connection boss includes a receiving tube configured to receive a marble into an interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide is pivotally connected to the tubular frame, and extends through the interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide has at least one marble exit, and is configured in a first rotation position to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube in the interior of the tubular frame, and is configured to rotate toward a second rotational position responsive to receiving the marble such that the received marble advances through the marble guide toward the marble exit.

Abstract: A trampoline module for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules includes a connecting boss, a concave shell, and a resilient head. The connecting boss is configured to connect to a corresponding connector on at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules, and defines a connection direction. The concave shell is arranged at least in part above the connecting boss, and includes a perimeter rim. The resilient head is affixed to the concave shell and over the perimeter rim, such that the resilient head defines a first planar surface. The first planar surface defines a first plane having a first direction perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the first direction and the connection direction are non-parallel.

Abstract: A marble run track connection arrangement for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run elements includes a marble track section, a tube, and a connector. The marble track section has first and second connecting posts coupled to or forming a portion of a marble travel path of the marble track section. The tube includes a connecting portion configured to directly physically connect to another tube. The connecting portion passes a marble from or to the other tube. The tube also has a side opening configured to receive a marble therethrough into or out of an interior of the first tube. The tube also includes a track connector extending outward from the tube. The connector is configured to receive the first and second connecting posts and to couple to the track connector such that a path is defined between the marble travel path and the interior of the tube.

Abstract: A marble run track connection arrangement for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run elements includes a marble track section, a tube, and a connector. The marble track section has first and second connecting posts coupled to or forming a portion of a marble travel path of the marble track section. The tube includes a connecting portion configured to directly physically connect to another tube. The connecting portion passes a marble from or to the other tube. The tube also has a side opening configured to receive a marble therethrough into or out of an interior of the first tube. The tube also includes a track connector extending outward from the tube. The connector is configured to receive the first and second connecting posts and to couple to the track connector such that a path is defined between the marble travel path and the interior of the tube.

Abstract: A marble toy kit includes building blocks and base platforms. Each building block includes a block base, formed of a single piece of plastic, that has four sides interconnected to form a tubular member having a square cross-section and having an interior. At least one side has an opening sized to receive a toy marble. The top of each building block has a base portion and a connection boss extending from the base portion. The connection boss and base portion have a second opening sized to receive a toy marble. The boss is configured to engage and fit within the open bottom of another block base having the same structure. At least one base platform includes a plurality of pedestals extending from a top surface. Each pedestal fits within the open-bottom of the block base of a building block to attach the block base to the base platform.

Abstract: A lens assembly is separated into a first lens module including at least one lens element and a second lens module including at least one other lens element during alignment of its lens elements. Coarse alignment is conducted by aligning an optical axis of at least one lens element within the first lens module with an optical axis of at least one lens element within the second lens module. For conducting fine alignment, an image sensor views a test chart while the first and second lens modules are positioned between the test chart and the image sensor. Image quality indices are obtained from the image sensor of the test chart at different relative alignments between the first and second lens modules, before the first lens module is fixed to the second lens module at a relative alignment therebetween where the image quality indices are optimized.

Abstract: A detape apparatus has a support unit with a deck surface for supporting a tape carrier. The deck surface defines a support plane on which the tape carrier is supportable, and a conveyor is configured to move the tape carrier in a conveyance direction along the deck surface. During a detape process, a receiving segment of a first urging element is movable to a first detape position next to a first side of the tape carrier, while a second urging element is movable to a second detape position abutting the tape carrier on an opposite side of the tape carrier to thereby push the tape carrier out of the support plane to separate at least one electronic component from the tape carrier. The receiving segment may then receive the at least one electric component which is thus separated from the tape carrier.

Abstract: CD47 antibodies that specifically inhibit the interaction between CD47 and the CD47-signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRP?) but not the interaction between CD47 and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and methods of using these monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics are provided.

Abstract: A lens assembly is separated into a first lens module including at least one lens element and a second lens module including at least one other lens element during alignment of its lens elements. Coarse alignment is conducted by aligning an optical axis of at least one lens element within the first lens module with an optical axis of at least one lens element within the second lens module. For conducting fine alignment, an image sensor views a test chart with while the first and second lens modules are positioned between the test chart and the image sensor. Image quality indices are obtained from the image sensor of the test chart at different relative alignments between the first and second lens modules, before the first lens module is fixed to the second lens module at a relative alignment therebetween where the image quality indices are optimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a lens module with an image sensor to form a camera module includes a chart holder, a positioning unit and a reflective elements holder assembly. In use, the chart holder holds a test chart having a region of interest (ROI), the positioning unit holds the lens module and the image sensor, and the reflective elements holder assembly holds multiple reflective elements between the chart holder and the positioning unit. A first optical path from the ROI is directed to a first position on the image sensor. Second optical paths from the ROI are reflected by the reflective elements to respective second positions on the image sensor, the second positions being spaced from the first position. The images captured by the image sensor (arising from the aforementioned optical paths) are analysed and the positioning unit aligns the lens module with the image sensor based on such analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a lens module with an image sensor to form a camera module includes a chart holder, a positioning unit and a reflective elements holder assembly. In use, the chart holder holds a test chart having a region of interest (ROI), the positioning unit holds the lens module and the image sensor, and the reflective elements holder assembly holds multiple reflective elements between the chart holder and the positioning unit. A first optical path from the ROI is directed to a first position on the image sensor. Second optical paths from the ROI are reflected by the reflective elements to respective second positions on the image sensor, the second positions being spaced from the first position. The images captured by the image sensor (arising from the aforementioned optical paths) are analysed and the positioning unit aligns the lens module with the image sensor based on such analysis.

Abstract: Integrin-associated protein (IAP or CD47) antibodies that specifically inhibit the interaction between CD47 and the CD47-signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPa) but not the interaction between CD47 and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and methods of using these monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics are provided. Further disclosed are sequences of variable heavy chains and variable light chains of the antibodies provided.

Abstract: A marble toy kit includes building blocks and base platforms. Each building block includes a block base, formed of a single piece of plastic, that has four sides interconnected to form a tubular member having a square cross-section and having an interior. At least one side has an opening sized to receive a toy marble. The top of each building block has a base portion and a connection boss extending from the base portion. The connection boss and base portion have a second opening sized to receive a toy marble. The boss is configured to engage and fit within the open bottom of another block base having the same structure. At least one base platform includes a plurality of pedestals extending from a top surface. Each pedestal fits within the open-bottom of the block base of a building block to attach the block base to the base platform.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for management of wireless communications through the development and use of link space information. Such link space information provides link-centric information with respect to wireless links of a network to thereby provide a view of the network which takes into account phenomena affecting the wireless links. Utilizing such link space information, automated management of various aspects of a wireless network may be provided, including automated provisioning, management, and/or optimization of network links. Network operations may include use of link space information in providing network management applications such as automatic fault management, automatic performance management, operation advisories, and/or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for management of wireless communications through the development and use of link space information. Such link space information provides link-centric information with respect to wireless links of a network to thereby provide a view of the network which takes into account phenomena affecting the wireless links. Utilizing such link space information, automated management of various aspects of a wireless network may be provided, including automated provisioning, management, and/or optimization of network links. Network operations may include use of link space information in providing network management applications such as automatic fault management, automatic performance management, operation advisories, and/or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for efficient hand-off in a wireless network employ a neighbor report which may include, in addition to more convention information about neighboring access point, search thresholds, target beacon transmission time of neighboring access points, and execution thresholds. The present systems and methods also provide a mechanism of updating neighbor report and its elements. A faster and lower spectrum cost active search scheme based on sending a null packet may also be used by the systems and methods.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to managing wireless communications associated with a plurality of mobile devices moving in the same direction. In one embodiment, an intelligent wireless switch (IWS) is used to manage communications. The IWS includes an internal access point for managing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for a plurality of wireless devices. The IWS includes a plurality of stations for communicating with a plurality of external access points. The IWS also includes a packet switch controller for directing data between the plurality of wireless devices and the plurality of stations. By switching between the plurality of stations in response to the signal strengths of the external access points, the plurality of wireless devices are able to continuously conduct data communications without interruptions associated with reaching the limits of a coverage area of an external access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.