Abstract: A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning beam devices that have one or more detectors positioned within a housing of the device. The detector(s) may be disposed anywhere within the housing to receive light reflected from the target area. In one embodiment, an optical assembly of the device transmits a first portion of the reflected light to a scanning element, and a second portion of the reflected light to the detectors. In another embodiment, the optical assembly is configured to transmit substantially all of the reflected light to the scanning element. In such embodiments, the scanning element will be adapted to allow the light to exit the scanning element and impinge on the detector(s) within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.

Abstract: A base structure having a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane. The inner portion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with said second surface.

Abstract: An electric beverage maker includes a lower, water boiling vessel, a funnel extending into the lower vessel and having an upper compartment for receiving a beverage, and an upper vessel mounted over the funnel to receive water which has passed up the funnel through the compartment, and from which the beverage is dispensed. The lower vessel is formed with an opening in its lower region, which is closed by a thick film electric heater. The heater is controlled by a control which operates to disable the heater until such time as the control is reset manually by a user.

Abstract: Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e.g., light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.

Abstract: The present invention provides software, methods, and systems for characterizing an actual scan pattern of a scanning beam device. The characterization of the actual scan pattern may be used in an image remapping method and/or a drive signal remapping method to reduce distortions in an image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory element for providing compatibility information and/or parametric data about a scanning beam device to a universal base station. The present invention provides a memory coupled to the scanning beam device that provides parametric data, such as an identifier code, compatibility information, and other characteristics of the scanning beam device that is coupled to the universal base station. A controller of the base station may use the parametric data to configure or generate a control routine so as to allow the base station to properly operate the device.

Abstract: Microsphere beads are mixed with a surface barrier solid, liquid or mixture of such a liquid with a solid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres; by the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and active mixing, removal of water from and expansion of the microsphere is achieved. Microsphere densities of as low as 0.005 to less than 0.015 g/cm3 are realized. The surface barrier solid, liquid or mixture of such a liquid with a solid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, fillers, pigments, plasticizers, diluents, extenders, monomers and oligomers and the like.

Abstract: A method of improving the bend radius of a waveguide in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) while maintaining high PIC to fiber coupling efficiency. The method involves tapering both the width of the waveguide and the index of the waveguide from the coupling region to the region where the waveguide needs to curve.

Abstract: An integrated design, simulation, fabrication, and test environment and process that allows photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to be produced. The process provides for a rapid product development cycle and yields a high probability of the initial device performing as specified.

Abstract: Using printing and coating of non-currency grade paper, authentication of coupons or other documents is provided for minimal cost. By coating the document with a UV/EB material having a desired trace chemical residual content (e.g., substantially no starch), the authenticity of a coupon or document is checked using already widely distributed counterfeit currency detection pens. Since many retail establishments rely on iodine or potassium permanganate solution testing of currency, by providing a coating that reacts differently than non-currency grade paper, the same solution is used to verify the authenticity of coupons or other documents without the costs of using currency grade paper. The results of the test for authenticity are easily visible, allowing a coupon issuer to reimburse retail establishments only for coupons or documents that have been verified and shown to be authentic. By refusing to redeem or reimburse for untested or counterfeit coupons, losses due to counterfeiting may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds represented by the following structural Formula (I), (a) R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted group selected from C1-C8 alkyl, aryl-C0-4-alkyl, heteroaryl-C0-4-alkyl, C6 cycloalkylaryl-C0-2-alkyl, and —CH2—C(O)—R17-R18, wherein R17 is O or NH and R18 is optionally substituted benzyl; (b) R2 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkenyl, aryl-C0-4-alkyl, heteroaryl-C0-4-alkyl, C1-C4 alkyl sulfonamide, C1-C4 alkyl amide, OR10 and C3-C6 cycloalkyl; (c) W is O or S; (d) X is an optionally substituted C1-C5 alkylene linker wherein one carbon atom of the linker may optionally be replaced with O, NH, S, and optionally two carbons together may form a double bond; (e) Y is selected from the group consisting of C, O, S, NH and a single bond; and (f) E is selected from the group consisting of C(R3) (R4)A, A, and a substituted or unsubstituted group selected from the group consisting of (CH2)n COOR19.

Abstract: A single phase synchronous AC motor includes a laminated iron stator (1) carrying a single phase winding (3, 4) and a permanent magnet rotor (2) located within a stator bore (5). The stator bore is elongate in shape and is generally symmetrical about a minor axis (13) and a major axis (14). A permanent magnet reluctance torque smoothes out the twice electrical frequency torque pulsation due to the single phase winding. Substantially constant torque is obtained at all rotor positions when rated load torque is applied. The motor may be designed such that constant torque is achieved for any rate value of load torque corresponding to a factional value of the permanent magnet reluctance torque. The motor may be designed to obtain a useful ratio of pullout to rated torque for operation from a mains AC supply.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a communications network establishes an initial polling interval for a corresponding network element. The network management system detects whether the network element provides at least one status message during a group of sequential polls. Each poll within the group is preferably separated by the initial polling interval. The network management system adjusts the initial polling interval to a subsequent polling interval for the network element based on the detection of the status message to adaptively meet the communications traffic requirements.

Abstract: An electric beverage maker includes a lower, water boiling vessel, a funnel extending into the lower vessel and having an upper compartment for receiving a beverage, and an upper vessel mounted over said funnel to receive water which has passed up said funnel through said compartment, and from which the beverage is dispensed. The lower vessel is formed with an opening in its lower region, which is closed by a thick film electric heater. The heater is controlled by a control which operates to disable the heater until such time as the control is reset manually by a user.

Abstract: Pipe coated with a hot plastic coating is cooled by applying a liquid cooling medium to the interior of the pipe. The cooling medium may be applied from a lance or pressurised cart that is stationary relative to the surroundings and moves internally relative to sections of pipe that pass successively through coating and cooling stations.

Abstract: A shaving unit (10) comprises at least one blade (13) and a blade support of moulded polymeric material which provides skin-engaging guard (11) and cap (12) surfaces, and the cap portion (12) and/or the guard portion (11) of the blade support is formed of at least one lubricious polymeric material which is more water-soluble under the conditions present during shaving than it is under other conditions, or of a mixture of such a lubricious polymeric material with one or more other materials.

Abstract: An accessory mount for removable rigid securement of an accessory to a bow is disclosed. In one version, an accessory mount is integrally formed in the outer side face of the bow and provides for the mounting of a bow quiver, a sight for the archer to use in aiming, an overdraw mechanism, or other accessory. More specifically, the mount includes a recess and is defined by a bottom wall of a shallow depth and a pair of horizontal spaced sidewalls and a front wall. The front wall of the recess includes a pair of rectilinear walls extending forwardly and joined at an angle, preferably obtuse, thereby creating a wedge shape having an apex point. The accessory to be mounted includes a corresponding wedge-shaped shoe for fitting into the recess. Threaded fasteners securely engage the shoe in the recess. In alternative versions, male and female interlocking members are provided respectively on the accessory and the archery bow.

Abstract: .[.An archery.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.bow handle .[.or riser, in which the riser.]. is .[.cut out sufficiently.]. .Iadd.shaped .Iaddend.to permit a broad head arrow.[.head.]. to pass rearwardly of the hand grip .[.section,.]. and.Iadd., .Iaddend.upon release of the arrow, to avoid interference with the .[.riser.]. .Iadd.handle .Iaddend.by both the broad head point .[.as well as.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.the vanes .[.at the rear portion.]. of the arrow .[.is disclosed.].. .[.Provision is made beneath the riser sight window.]. .Iadd.An .Iaddend.offset .[.to mount an arrow rest, which may interlock into a cutout, and which extends.]. .Iadd.in the window of the handle is displaced .Iaddend.somewhat further .[.offset in order to position the arrow on.]. .Iadd.than the window from .Iaddend.the center line of the bow .[.so that it will behave as an arrow fired with a prior-art type bow handle riser, but accommodating.]. .Iadd.to accommodate .Iaddend.a shorter arrow with a board head.[.,.]. and .[.avoiding.]. .Iadd.avoid .