Abstract: A system for deterring animals and humans from entering protected sprinkler zones. Motion sensors are placed in an area to be protected. Upon detection of a trespasser (e.g., animals or humans) within the protected area, the sensors produce a signal for activating sprinklers in the zone and/or other appropriate zones. The sensor output can be electrically connected to a step down transformer, which is connected to an appropriate sprinkler valve or to the sprinkler valve output at, for example, the sprinkler control box. The sprinkler valve can be activated and an appropriate sprinkler zone turned on to spray the trespasser with water. New or existing sprinkler systems can be utilized for varmint and/or intruder deterrent without utilizing complex electronics.

Abstract: A photodetector is provided that includes a FET structure with a channel structure having one or more nanowire structures. Noble metal nanoparticles are positioned on the channel structure so as to produce a functionalized channel structure. The functionalized channel structure exhibits pronounced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption near the SPR frequency of the noble metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of fitting an attachment, or a trim, onto a portion of a profiled strip, or onto a portion of a profiled strip fastened to a periphery of a glazing pane, a fitting operation being carried out by an intermediate fastening device. The intermediate fastening device includes at least one clip including having at least one upstream cooperating part configured to cooperate with the profiled strip and a downstream cooperating part configured to cooperate with the attachment. The method includes fastening the intermediate fastening device onto the profiled strip. The intermediate fastening device includes an upstream cooperating part having a plurality of deformable catching tabs, the tabs being deformed by applying a force to the ends of the tabs toward the material of the profiled strip in two opposed directions so as to penetrate the material of the profiled strip during the fastening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods relating to modulators of Nod-like Receptors NOD1 (NLRC1) and NOD2 (NLRC2) signaling. Further provided are methods of identifying modulators of Nod-like Receptors NOD1 and NOD2 activity. Further provided are compositions and methods for treating or preventing inflammation, including diseases associated with inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), pancreatitis, arthritis, asthma, psoriasis. Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease (arteritis), diabetes, and sepsis.

Abstract: A photodetector is provided that includes a FET structure with a channel structure having one or more nanowire structures. Noble metal nanoparticles are positioned on the channel structure so as to produce a functionalized channel structure. The functionalized channel structure exhibits pronounced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption near the SPR frequency of the noble metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using an atomic force microscope comprising exciting natural lower and higher vibration modes of a microlever (M) placed on a sample, and analyzing the variation of one variable of a first output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the lower mode, with respect to the variation of a parameter influenced by one variable of a second output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the higher mode, and/or analyzing the variation of one variable of a second output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the higher mode, with respect to the variation of a parameter influenced by one variable of a first output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the lower mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using an atomic force microscope and to a microscope. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in at least performing bimodal excitation of a microlever (M) which is disposed on a sample and analysing at least: the variation in the oscillation amplitude (Ai) of an output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) that is representative of the response from the microlever (M) to the excitation of one of the natural vibration modes thereof, in order to obtain topographic information in relation to the sample; and to the variation in the phase (?j) of an output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) that is representative of the response from the microlever (M) to the excitation of another natural vibration mode thereof, in order to obtain compositional information in relation to the sample. The inventive microscope is adapted to be used with the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying radiation beam alignment in an image guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivery system such as the Cyberknife™. This invention achieves precise verification of radiation beam alignment with a radiation beam detection apparatus mounted on a gimbal assembly. The radiation beam detection apparatus houses an alignment fixture of varying geometric shape, such as a metallic ball or can be an array of radio-opaque markers positioned symmetrically at the gimbal assembly's common rotation center. The radiation detection apparatus comprises a radiation detector such as film and an alignment mirror, which are parallel to each other on opposite sides of the alignment fixture. The radiation detector is used to capture a radiographic image of the alignment fixture and the circular radiation field. The resulting image is analyzed to determine the eccentricity of the radiation field and whether adjustment of node positions is required to eliminate any eccentricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using an atomic force microscope comprising exciting natural lower and higher vibration modes of a microlever (M) placed on a sample, and analyzing the variation of one variable of a first output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the lower mode, with respect to the variation of a parameter influenced by one variable of a second output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the higher mode, and/or analyzing the variation of one variable of a second output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the higher mode, with respect to the variation of a parameter influenced by one variable of a first output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) representative of the response of M to the excitation of the lower mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using an atomic force microscope and to a microscope. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in at least performing bimodal excitation of a microlever (M) which is disposed on a sample and analysing at least: the variation in the oscillation amplitude (Ai) of an output signal (Ai cos(?it??i)) that is representative of the response from the microlever (M) to the excitation of one of the natural vibration modes thereof, in order to obtain topographic information in relation to the sample; and to the variation in the phase (?j) of an output signal (Aj cos(?jt??j)) that is representative of the response from the microlever (M) to the excitation of another natural vibration mode thereof, in order to obtain compositional information in relation to the sample. The inventive microscope is adapted to be used with the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying radiation beam alignment in an image guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivery system such as the Cyberknife™. SRS systems such as the Cyberknife™ use a high-precision robotic manipulator with an image-guided system to deliver beams of radiation to a target for optimal clinical results. This radiation delivery system does not usually rotate around a fixed center of axis, therefore a set of pre-programmed positions (nodes) defined as a path is often configured into the system's software to allow proper radiation treatment. In order to achieve the accuracy of the image-guided SRS radiation delivery, these nodes must be calibrated regularly to verify that the radiation beam axis precisely passes through a certain reference point or alignment center with predefined angles. This invention achieves precise verification of radiation beam alignment with a radiation beam detection apparatus mounted on a gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A laundry additive composition comprising one or more perfume components in slow release form and wherein the release kinetics are controlled so as to provide a fabric delivery index of at least 0.3.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the spatial distribution, shape and size of films of conjugated organic molecules that can be used to grow single layers of organic molecules on silicon oxide nanostructures. The silicon oxide nanostructures are produced using an anodic oxidation process. The organisation of the molecules on the oxide nanostructures is dependent on the kinetic parameters of the latter (evaporation rate, diffusion coefficient) and on the interactions with the silicon (anodic) oxide regions. The molecules form domains which exactly reproduce the lateral size and the shape of the oxide nanostructures. The invention provides a powerful method of performing a bottom-up construction of wires, electrodes and charge transfer zones in nanoscale devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a browning accessory for use in a microwave oven, for substantially simultaneous microwave cooking and browning or crusting of a food item. The browning accessory includes a microwave absorbing material operative to convert microwave energy into thermal energy and having its underside uncovered, thereby being accessible to airflow inside the microwave oven, and an outer enclosure having a skirt portion extending downwards below the microwave absorbing material to reduce convection cooling of the microwave absorbing material during use of the accessory.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implementations of methods, systems and apparatuses that are configured to facilitate normal operating characteristics for a wind turbine during normal operation, as well as during voltage irregularities. In an implementation, a turbine controller coordinates operating primary turbine systems and ancillary turbine systems during normal operation and during voltage irregularities. During normal operation, the turbine controller coordinates powering both primary and ancillary turbine systems through a power supply. During a detected voltage event, ancillary turbine systems may be transitioned to a having an uninterruptible power supply power these systems. However, the turbine controller coordinates maintaining the power supply as the sole powering device for primary turbine systems despite a voltage irregularity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the spatial distribution, shape and size of films of conjugated organic molecules. The inventive method can be used to grow single layers of organic molecules on silicon oxide nanostructures. The silicon oxide nanostructures are produced using an anodic oxidation process. The organisation of the molecules on the oxide nanostructures is dependent on the kinetic parameters of the latter (evaporation rate, diffusion coefficient) and on the interactions with the silicon (anodic) oxide regions. The molecules form domains which exactly reproduce the lateral size and the shape of the oxide nanostructures. The invention provides a powerful method of performing a bottom-up construction of wires, electrodes and charge transfer zones in nanoscale devices.

Abstract: A browning accessory for use in a microwave oven, for substantially simultaneous microwave cooking of a food item and browning or crusting the upper side thereof, is disclosed. The browning accessory comprises a microwave absorbing material operative to convert microwave energy into thermal energy; and an outer enclosure comprising a skirt portion extending downwards below the microwave absorbing material, in the working position of the accessory, such as to reduce convection cooling of the microwave absorbing material during use of the accessory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, compressing, and distributing data, such as an audio file, are provided. Single- and multi-channel data streams are transformed into a single signal in a Unified Domain. A high resolution frequency analysis based on phase evolution provides accurate frequency estimates and distinguishes between oscillatory and noise-like signal components. The unified signal components are then prioritized using a Psychoacoustic Model. The prioritized components can be arranged in layers based on the component priorities and compressed (e.g., with a chaotic compression scheme). The least psychoacoustically important layers can be removed to lower the transmission bitrate. Digital rights management tools based, for example, on a unique device identification can be used for secure distribution.

Abstract: A combined microwave and hot-air circulating cooking appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a plurality of air injection openings that are provided in a wall of the cooking cavity for injecting heated air into the same. Each of the injection openings is connected to a heating compartment an air conduit having such dimensions so as to prevent propagation of microwave energy through the conduit.