Abstract: An effector system includes: a plurality of effector assemblies configured to engage a target object; a base having a plurality of mounting surfaces for movably supporting the effector assemblies; a plurality of actuators coupled to the base, each actuator including: an actuator housing defining a conduit having a first end and a second end; an output member slidable within the conduit; a first shape-memory transducer affixed between the first end and the output member; a second shape-memory transducer affixed between the second end and the output member; an electrical subassembly configured to control each actuator to cause the output member to slide towards a selected one of the first end and the second end; and a plurality of linkages between respective output members and effector assemblies, each linkage configured to move a corresponding effector assembly relative to the base in response to sliding of the respective output member.

Abstract: An effector system comprises: an effector assembly including: a first segment having a conduit between a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface of the conduit having a conductive portion and a resistive portion; an output member slidable within the conduit, the output member having a conductive exterior contacting the inner surface; a first shape-memory transducer affixed between the proximal end and the output member; and a second shape-memory transducer affixed between the distal end and the output member; and a controller configured to: selectively energize: (i) the first shape-memory transducer to slide the output member in a first direction, (ii) the second shape-memory transducer to slide the output member in a second direction, or (iii) the resistive portion of the inner surface; and in response to energizing the resistive portion, determine a position of the output member.

Abstract: An effector assembly includes: a segment defining a conduit between proximal and distal ends and containing a slidable output member; a first shape-memory transducer affixed between the proximal end and the output member; a second shape-memory transducer affixed between the distal end and the output member; an electrical subassembly to selectively supply current to bias the first transducer to a first memory state and bias the second transducer to a second deformed state, for sliding the output member in a first direction, or bias the second transducer to a second memory state and bias the first transducer to a first deformed state, for sliding the output member in a second direction; a second segment movably coupled to the distal end; and a linkage between the output member and the second segment, to move the second segment relative to the segment in response to sliding of the output member.

Abstract: A software framework architecture that allows for the migration of data from legacy systems to a DataArk database. The DataArk database acts as a central storage component for disparate data sets. Data is extracted from the legacy systems, transformed into a text format and then mapped into the DataArk database. Users are then able to access the DataArk database as they would access the legacy systems, looking up individual patient accounting detail, clinical detail, employee records, etc. Users are also able to edit and manage the data in the DataArk database. The legacy systems are then decommissioned. Further, the DataArk database is configured for use by establishing user access, permitted functions and permitted views. A system administrator establishes user profiles that specify which functions and screens a user may access. Once users are logged-in the system, users may perform searches on the data to which they have been given access.

Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system of general purpose design can be customized for use with many different applications to provide sophisticated alarming and control functions based on logical relationships among several sensed variables. A central processing unit is connected to receive a plurality of inputs from various sensors, the variety and type of which are the choice of the user depending on the specific application to which the monitoring and alarm system is to be connected. The central processing unit is programmed to provide the user with an interactive display to first define the variables in the application and the states and/or limits of the variables. This action defines a logical group. Next, the user enters the alarm/action functions to be performed on the condition that all the conditions in the logical group are true. Once this interactive process has been completed, the central processing unit performs the alarm and control functions specified by the user.

Abstract: A composite window for a vehicle entrance door includes means for affording a downward view while the door is closed. The window includes an outer pane having two substantially parallel plane surfaces, an inner pane having a plane surface facing the outer pane and spaced therefrom. The opposite surface is formed with a prism which extends either partly or entirely over its surface. Additionally, the opposite surface of the inner pane may be provided with a concave surface forming a concave lens which enhances the effect of the prism.