Abstract: The present invention provides a collision avoidance apparatus and method employing stereo vision applications for adaptive vehicular control. The stereo vision applications are comprised of a road detection function and a vehicle detection and tracking function. The road detection function makes use of three-dimensional point data, computed from stereo image data, to locate the road surface ahead of a host vehicle. Information gathered by the road detection function is used to guide the vehicle detection and tracking function, which provides lead motion data to a vehicular control system of the collision avoidance apparatus. Similar to the road detection function, stereo image data is used by the vehicle detection and tracking function to determine the depth of image scene features, thereby providing a robust means for identifying potential lead vehicles in a headway direction of the host vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for estimating range of the objects in the images from various distances. The method comprises receiving a set of images of the scene having multiple objects from at least one camera in motion. Due to the motion of the camera, each of the images are obtained at different camera locations Then an object visible in multiple images is selected. Data related to approximate camera positions and orientations and the images of the visible object are used to estimate the location of the object relative to a reference coordinate system. Based on the computed data, a projected location of the visible object is computed and the orientation angle of the camera for each image is refined. Additionally, pairs of cameras with various locations can then be chosen to obtain dense stereo for regions of the image at various ranges.

Abstract: A fluid working machine, operable to carry out a motoring cycle under at least some circumstances, comprises a controller (12) and a working chamber (2) of cyclically varying volume. The working chamber has a high pressure valve (18) associated therewith to control the connection of the working chamber to a high pressure manifold (20), and an electronically controllable primary low pressure valve (14) to control the connection of the working chamber to a low pressure manifold. The controller is operable to actively control at least the primary low pressure valve, in phased relationship to cycles of working chamber volume, to determine the net displacement of fluid by the working chamber on a cycle by cycle basis. The fluid working machine is adapted to release pressurised fluid from the working chamber prior to the opening of the primary low-pressure valve, during a motoring cycle. This facilitates the opening of the primary low pressure valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel water ballasted wave attenuator that can be used to diminish or eliminate the impact of waves on shorelines or objects located in or on water bodies. A water ballasted wave attenuator comprising: (a) a hollow shell formed of reinforced concrete; (b) a flotation medium disposed in the upper region of the interior of the reinforced concrete shell (a); (c) an air chamber disposed below the flotation medium (b) in the lower region of the interior of the reinforced concrete shell; and, (d) at least one water vent located in the interior of the reinforced concrete shell (a), said vent connecting the interior of the shell with the exterior of the shell.

Abstract: A route for preparing a compound of formula (I) where X, R1, R2, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined in the specification, is described. Process steps used in the route and novel intermediates prepared during the route are also described and claimed. Compounds of formula (I) are used in the preparation of pharmaceutical compounds, in particular inhibitors of MEK, useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative disease such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel water ballasted wave attenuator that can be used to diminish or eliminate the impact of waves on shorelines or objects located in or on water bodies. A water ballasted wave attenuator comprising: (a) a hollow shell formed of reinforced concrete; (b) a flotation medium disposed in the upper region of the interior of the reinforced concrete shell (a); (c) an air chamber disposed below the flotation medium (b) in the lower region of the interior of the reinforced concrete shell; and, (d) at least one water vent located in the interior of the reinforced concrete shell (a), said vent connecting the interior of the shell with the exterior of the shell.

Abstract: A fluid power system comprises a pump with multiple independently variable outlets (11, 12, 13, 14), each of which is capable of delivering fluid in individually controllable volume units and a plurality of hydraulic loads (15, 16, 18, 20). A system of switching valves is configured to create fluid connections between the pump outlets and the loads. A control system commands both the pump and the switching valves, so as to create valve state combinations to satisfy load conditions as demanded by an operator The number of pump outlets (11, 12, 13, 14) connected to one or more of the loads (15, 16, 18, 20) is changeable to satisfy the flow required of the load due to the operator demand, each pump outlet being commanded to produce a flow depending on the status of other outlets connected a load to which the outlet is connected and the operator demand for that load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic pump for use in driving a load with a control modulation system which modulates a primary control signal in order to accommodate variations in secondary changeable parameters which require control at a higher frequency or have a lower latency.

Abstract: A variable transmission comprises a first fluid working machine (1) for connection to a prime mover (2), a second fluid working machine (5) for connection to a mechanical load (6) and a fluid system linking the first and second working machines, the fluid system having a high-pressure side (3) and a low-pressure side (4) each connected to both said first and said second fluid working machines (1, 5), a fluid accumulator (7) on the high-pressure side, a means to admit fluid from the reservoir to the low-pressure side and a pressure control valve to maintain the correct pressure in the low-pressure side, wherein the second fluid working machine (5) includes chambers of variable volume having electronically controllable valves such that each of said chambers has pumping, motoring and idling modes of operation, and the second fluid working machine (5) is operable to both source fluid to and sink fluid from each of said high-pressure side (3) and said low-pressure side (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are MEK inhibitors useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals, and inflammatory conditions. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: There is provided a method of, and apparatus for, regulating radiation component (wavelength channel) power in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communications system (10). The system (10) comprises a plurality of nodes (20) interconnected through optical waveguides (30, 40) (optical fibers). The method is characterised by: passing one or more tokens (300) around the system from node to node; adjusting nodal settings (150, 170), such as optical attenuation, applied at each node to regulate the power of WDM radiation components at the node in response to receiving one or more tokens; and repeating the method until WDM radiation component power within the system is substantially regulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for estimating range of the objects in the images from various distances. The method comprises receiving a set of images of the scene having multiple objects from at least one camera in motion. Due to the motion of the camera, each of the images are obtained at different camera locations Then an object visible in multiple images is selected. Data related to approximate camera positions and orientations and the images of the visible object are used to estimate the location of the object relative to a reference coordinate system. Based on the computed data, a projected location of the visible object is computed and the orientation angle of the camera for each image is refined. Additionally, pairs of cameras with various locations can then be chosen to obtain dense stereo for regions of the image at various ranges.

Abstract: A computerized system that will allow healthcare providers to access the commercial paper market by “selling” their patient claims to asset backed commercial paper conduits. The system generates the statistical information on the historic collection experience of the provider's claims required by both the rating agencies and the sponsors of the conduits. This statistical information has two pieces: the net collectible value matrix showing the percentage of the claim actually paid by individual payers; and a collection histogram showing the timing of the payers payments from the date of initial billing. The system also generates the accounting detail necessary for controlling and auditing the provider's participation in the commercial paper conduit program. The system tracks “periodic pools” of claims so as to be able to reconcile advances, collections, interest expense, third party fees and cash settlements between conduits and providers.

Abstract: A prosthetic bearing element and a method for forming the same includes an injection molded bearing made of PEEK resin with short carbon fiber reinforcement. The inner surface of the PEEK bearing is adapted to receive a ceramic or metal articulation component. The outer surface of the bearing layer includes sputtered titanium particles forming a porous backing layer. Hydroxyapatite is then sputtered or otherwise deposited onto the titanium backing layer to form an outer surface of the prosthetic bearing element. A barrier layer can be formed either of PEEK or titanium which layer is between the outer surface of the molded bearing and the inner surface of the porous structure. The barrier layer prevents tissue ingrowth into the bearing component. Hydroxyapatite is then sputtered onto the outer porous layer or applied by solution deposition. This outer surface of the prosthetic bearing element can then be coated with bone morphogenic protein.

Abstract: A small light source for handbags which is to be sewn inside the handbag with a zipper accessible compartment. The light circuit consists of thin plastic coated wires, an AAA battery and a battery holder with On/Off switch, a flat light bulb with plastic covering and a normally closed Reed Switch magnet. The wires for the circuit are of a flexible material so that it can be repeatedly bent without harm. Circuit is designed (when battery holder switched on) so that each time the Reed Switch magnet is pulled away from another magnet on the opposite side of the handbag, the light circuit turns on. As the Reed Switch magnet comes into contact with another magnet, the light circuit turns off.

Abstract: There is provided a method of, and apparatus for, regulating radiation component (wavelength channel) power in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communications system (10). The system (10) comprises a plurality of nodes (20) interconnected through optical waveguides (30, 40) (optical fibres). The method is characterised by: passing one or more tokens (300) around the system from node to node; adjusting nodal settings (150, 170), such as optical attenuation, applied at each node to regulate the power of WDM radiation components at the node in response to receiving one or more tokens; and repeating the method until WDM radiation component power within the system is substantially regulated.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube deflection yoke is provided wherein the deflection yoke includes a plurality of deflection coils. One or more of the deflection coils have a non-constant distribution of turns, whereby an electron beam passing through the deflection yoke is deflected by a magnetic field that varies according to different numbers of turns relative to position of electrons of the electron beam between the entrance and exit of the deflection yoke. The non-constant turns distribution may be linear or non-linear, may be monotonic or non-monotonic, and/or may have a positive or negative turns bias, either in whole or in part. The horizontal deflection coil and/or the vertical deflection coil, or both, may have a non-constant turns distribution.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube deflection yoke is provided wherein the deflection yoke includes a plurality of deflection coils. One or more of the deflection coils have a non-constant distribution of turns, whereby an electron beam passing through the deflection yoke is deflected by a magnetic field that varies according to different numbers of turns relative to position of electrons of the electron beam between the entrance and exit of the deflection yoke. The non-constant turns distribution may be linear or non-linear, may be monotonic or non-monotonic, and/or may have a positive or negative turns bias, either in whole or in part. The horizontal deflection coil and/or the vertical deflection coil, or both, may have a non-constant turns distribution.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes an electron gun directing electrons away from a faceplate having an electrode biased at screen potential. A plurality of electrodes located on or near the rear wall of the tube envelope are biased at graduated potentials so that the electron beam is deflected by the electrostatic field produced thereby to impinge upon the faceplate. The electron beam is magnetically deflected over a relatively small angle as it exits the electron gun to scan across the faceplate to impinge upon phosphors thereon to produce light depicting an image or information. The electrodes may be biased at or below screen potential, with the electrode closest the electron gun typically biased at a negative or ground potential and the electrode closest the faceplate (i.e. distal the electron gun) typically biased below screen potential to direct electrons towards the faceplate, thereby to increase the landing angle thereof.

Abstract: The gyratory crushing apparatus includes a bowl having an inner wall which defines a chamber for receiving frangible or friable material to be crushed, the chamber having a central axis and terminating in a throat defining a central discharge opening, a crushing head disposed in the bowl and having upper and lower ends which are interconnected by a peripheral wall which is concentric with respect to a gyratory axis of the head, a support assembly by which the head is supported in the chamber and which includes a shaft, and a drive arrangement coupled to the shaft. The shaft is of integral construction having upper and lower portions, and the head is mounted on the upper portion, with the upper portion having an axis substantially co-incident with the gyratory axis of the head.