Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing inspection high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: A new apparatus & method of use thereof for providing a selectable e-liquid juice solution from a dispenser are provided. In one embodiment a method for (a) providing a user determined combination of various liquids in a predetermined mixture that results in customized e-liquid juice having user specified quantities of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring is disclosed; (b) separately storing at least four liquids to be mixed after user determined selections are input; (c) facilitating the storage in memory of recipes for e-liquid juice or combinations thereof; (d) receiving a selection or user input for a specific combination of liquids; (e) dispensing automatically in response to the selection or user input the resulting volume of liquid combination.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing inspection high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising high speed ports connected via an integrated high speed serial switch fabric and serializer/deserializer circuits to an internal processing logic, wherein the high speed serial switch fabric is adapted to switch a serial reception signal received by a high speed port to at least one of at least one other high speed port of the apparatus and to the serializer/deserializer circuit of the receiving high speed port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing inspection high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: A new apparatus & method of use thereof for providing a selectable e-liquid juice solution from a dispenser are provided. In one embodiment a method for (a) providing a user determined combination of various liquids in a predetermined mixture that results in customized e-liquid juice having user specified quantities of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring is disclosed; (b) separately storing at least four liquids to be mixed after user determined selections are input; (c) facilitating the storage in memory of recipes for e-liquid juice or combinations thereof; (d) receiving a selection or user input for a specific combination of liquids; (e) dispensing automatically in response to the selection or user input the resulting volume of liquid combination.

Abstract: A system for processing a payment transaction, comprises a first entity configured to initiate a payment transaction with a merchant, a second entity configured to issue an account number in respect of the payment transaction, and a transaction processor configured to route the payment transaction between the merchant and the second entity in order to obtain authorization for the payment transaction from the second entity. The system is provided with an escrow account facility configured to hold an advanced fund associated with the payment transaction, the escrow facility being controlled by the transaction processor. The invention is also expressed in a method for processing a payment transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising high speed ports connected via an integrated high speed serial switch fabric and serializer/deserializer circuits to an internal processing logic, wherein said high speed serial switch fabric is adapted to switch a serial reception signal received by a high speed port to at least one other high speed port of said apparatus and/or to the serializer/deserializer circuit of the receiving high speed port.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to miniature timers, which may be used to measure a fixed or variable period of time using a combination of multiple physical effects. These effects generally include, for example, (1) the charge generated by a matrix of piezoelectric crystals by the application of kinetic force, the motion of a permanent magnet through an inductive coil, a photovoltaic element, or by the harvesting of local energies such as heat, radio frequency waves or sonic energy; (2) the effect of storing a charge in a capacitor; and (3) the effect of certain materials to indicate the presence of an electrical charge, such as liquid crystal matrix, organic LED matrix, electroluminescent material or other material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: An AUX channel amplifier for amplifying data in the AUX channel of a Display Port device. In some embodiments, the amplifier includes a first amplifier coupled to amplify a signal from a source to a sink and a second amplifier coupled to amplify a signal from the sink to the source. A slicer can be utilized to digitize the signal from the source. In some embodiments, a clock and data recovery can be utilized to receive signals from the source and a second clock and data recovery can be utilized to receive signals from the sink. A controller determine the direction of data flow and enables the first amplifier or the second amplifier accordingly.

Abstract: A kitchen organizing system for tracking and rotating inventory, generating grocery lists, and suggesting and planning meals has a rotating base. The system has a generally hollow spherical housing located on a base top surface. With a bottom hemisphere front cover and a bottom hemisphere rear cover in place, the housing has a shape of a sphere. The housing has a microprocessor located inside. The housing has a power cord connected to the microprocessor. The housing has a display screen located at least partly in a housing top hemisphere on a housing front side connected to the microprocessor. The housing has a keyboard located on the housing bottom hemisphere front cover connected to the microprocessor. The housing has a printer located in the housing bottom hemisphere connected to the microprocessor. The housing has a scanner located in the housing top hemisphere in the rear side connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing inspection high-speed optical inspection of parts using intelligent image analysis to determine optimal focus using high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve a superior signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance with very limited depth of field lenses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing high speed automatic optical inspection of electronic parts such as wafers, flat panel displays, ITO on PET or glass, multi chip modules, and high-density electronic packages. The method and apparatus identify and distinguish different materials on a part by increasing image contrast for each material without increasing electronic noise by processing the image signal with high optical gain and low electrical gain. As a result, the method and apparatus identify different materials, variations in the materials, and defect locations when the materials have similar reflectivities.