Abstract: An assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing is determined from the cardiopulmonary coupling between two physiological data series. In an embodiment, an R-R interval series is derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The normal beats from the R-R interval series are extracted to produce a normal-to-normal (NN) interval series. The amplitude variations in the QRS complex are used to extract to a surrogate respiration signal (i.e., ECG-derived respiration (EDR)) that is associated with the NN interval series. The two series are corrected to remove outliers, and resampled. The cross-spectral power and coherence of the two resampled signals are calculated over a plurality of coherence windows. For each coherence window, the product of the coherence and cross-spectral power is used to calculate coherent cross power. Using the appropriate thresholds for the coherent cross power, the proportion of sleep spent in CAP, non-CAP, and wake and/or REM are determined.

Abstract: A third generation (3G) gateway provides the facilities for extending a number of internet protocols between a second generation (2G) network and a 3G network. The various messages of a session initiation protocol (SIP) are extended to provide user identification and server identification subfields. The SIP message extensions facilitate the communication of 2G and 3G networks for the purposes of implementing push-to-talk and dispatch service features.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system is disclosed that improves regulation of engine speed relative to a speed setpoint. The system controls ignition timing, throttle plate actuation, fuel valve actuation or a combination thereof in accordance with maintaining a setpoint speed. The system also includes a transient air flow estimation for further improving setpoint speed accuracy.

Abstract: Minimal concentrations of CO2 are mixed with pressurized air to provide a gas mix effective for stabilizing breathing of target patients or users. CO2 concentrations below about 2% and preferably between about 0.5% and 1.25% are employed. A gas modulator includes a gas mixing module, a sensor and a control processor. The gas mixing module mixes plural gases, including CO2, into a gas mix, for delivery to a substantially leak-proof patient face mask. The sensor, located substantially at the face mask, measures CO2 concentration in the face mask. The control processor, based on a signal from the sensor, controls the CO2 concentration in the gas mix.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling a cooling fan of a computer system including a power supply unit. The method includes sensing a power load of the power supply unit. A reference air temperature of the computer system is also sensed. Finally, a fan setting is determined based upon the sensed power load and the sensed reference air temperature. By basing the fan setting on both reference temperature and actual power supply load, the method and system effectively minimizes cooling fan operation, and thus resulting acoustic noise, when a computer system is operating at less than full capacity. In one preferred embodiment, a look-up table is provided in which a plurality of fan settings are included, each fan setting being based upon a correlation of power supply load and reference temperature. The method and system of the present invention is particularly useful with high-end, server-type computer systems being used for low-end applications, and is readily applied to multiple platforms.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling a cooling fan of a computer system including a power supply unit. The method includes sensing a power load of the power supply unit. A reference air temperature of the computer system is also sensed. Finally, a fan setting is determined based upon the sensed power load and the sensed reference air temperature. By basing the fan setting on both reference temperature and actual power supply load, the method and system effectively minimizes cooling fan operation, and thus resulting acoustic noise, when a computer system is operating at less than full capacity. In one preferred embodiment, a look-up table is provided in which a plurality of fan settings are included, each fan setting being based upon a correlation of power supply load and reference temperature. The method and system of the present invention is particularly useful with high-end, server-type computer systems being used for low-end applications, and is readily applied to multiple platforms.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system is disclosed that improves regulation of engine speed relative to a speed setpoint. The system controls ignition timing, throttle plate actuation, fuel valve actuation or a combination thereof in accordance with maintaining a setpoint speed. The system also includes a transient air flow estimation for further improving setpoint speed accuracy.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar is provided which employs movably mounted, elongated strips for displaying the days of the month and corresponding days of the week in a side by side relationship. A first strip has permanently affixed to its outer surface the numbers 1-31 representing days of the month, and a second strip has permanently affixed to its outer surface indicia representing days of the week. The relative positions of the first and second strips can be adjusted to positions appropriate for any month of any year. The calendar also preferably has a third strip having an indicator permanently affixed to its outer surface for indicating the current day of the month and corresponding day of the week.

Abstract: An electrodeless SEF fluorescent discharge lamp of the type having an envelope with a re-entrant cavity formed therein for containing an excitation coil includes an amalgam positioned for maintaining an optimum mercury vapor pressure during lamp operation. The amalgam is doped with a magnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminum or tungsten, and is initially located in an optimal operating position using a magnetic field generated by a magnet situated about the lamp envelope. Advantageously, the magnetic field can be used to relocate the amalgam within the exhaust tube, as desired, during lamp processing steps. After processing, the magnet is removed, and no amalgam holder is required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slicing food products such as loaves of bread and the like where multiple slices are formed at substantially the same time. A blade cleaning assembly is included for removing slicing debris from band slicing blades after having moved through the product being sliced. Multiple blade continuous cleaning by opposed scraper blades through which each band blade passes achieve the desired cleaning function. The apparatus and method are particularly well-suited for removing slicing debris from loaves of bread which are of the so-called no-fat or low-fat variety.

Abstract: A starting circuit for an electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp comprises a high efficiency power supply for providing a radio frequency signal to a starting probe disposed proximate the arc tube of the lamp. The power supply may comprise either a Class-D or Class-E power amplifier having an output resonant circuit tuned to a substantially higher frequency than the operating frequency of the signal provided to the excitation coil by the lamp ballast to ensure minimal interaction between the starting circuit and the ballast. The output resonant circuit includes an inductance coupled in series with a capacitance that preferably comprises the capacitance between the excitation coil and the starting probe. After initiating the arc discharge, the starting circuit is deactivated.

Abstract: A starting aid for an electrodeless high intensity discharge (HID) lamp comprises a spiral starting electrode which, at least during lamp starting, conforms to the shape of the arc tube so as to provide a relatively high capacitive starting current upon receipt of a radio frequency starting signal, resulting in a rapid transition from a glow discharge to a high intensity solenoidal discharge. At least one turn of the spiral starting electrode is preferably in contact with the portion of the arc tube nearest the arc discharge to be formed and is oriented so as to provide a capacitive starting current that flows in substantially the same location as the arc discharge to further ease lamp starting. In one embodiment, the spiral starting aid comprises first and second coil portions. The first coil portion conforms to the shape of the arc tube and has at least one turn disposed nearest the portion of the arc tube where the arc discharge is to be formed.

Abstract: A lamp ballast configuration in which input power is conducted by one circuit board to the switching devices of a half bridge circuit whose output is conducted on a second circuit board with the two circuit boards mounted parallel and spaced apart disposes the device package which extends between the two circuit boards in an exposed position for direct contact to a heat sink. Drive transformers for the switching devices are preferably mounted between the circuit boards and shielded on four of their six sides by a combination of ground planes on the circuit boards and wide, flat ground conductors connecting the ground planes of the two circuit boards. A compact, high efficiency (>91%) RF system is obtained which is suitable for excitation of an electrodeless, high-intensity-discharge lamp.

Abstract: A reflector is provided which includes a resilient member formed of elastomeric material having embedded in at least a portion thereof a plurality of retro-reflective glass beads. At least a portion of the outer surface of the elastomeric material is removed to expose at least a portion of the glass beads thereat. The resilient member can be formed either with or without a base member. The base member can be formed either integrally or non-integrally with the resilient member to serve as a support body for the resilient member. When formed with a base member, at least the distal end of the resilient member has a surface portion of the elastomeric material forming the resilient member removed to expose at least a portion of the glass beads thereat.

Abstract: A reflector is disclosed as comprising a base member of elastomeric material forming a support body for said marker, and a plurality of individual resilient members of elastomeric material integrally formed with said base member and projecting therefrom, each of said resilient members having embedded therein and throughout a plurality of reflective glass beads. At least the distal ends of the resilient members have a surface portion of the elastomeric material removed to expose a portion of the glass beads thereat.

Abstract: What are disclosed are method and apparatus improvements in a heliostat for reflecting solar energy onto a collector, the heliostat having a main support structure with pivoting and tilting motors and controls and mirror modules for reflecting the solar energy. The improvement is characterized by one of a combination, or curved, or lightweight mirror module in which the curved mirror focuses the energy more precisely, attenuates differential expansion due to temperature change, yet is simple and economical to build and is light enough in weight to enable building larger modules for the heliostats, as well as building larger heliostats. The specific improvement is characterized by a curved mirror formed over a plurality of templates with longitudinal support beams holding it into the predetermined curvature with transversely extending structural beams and attachment bolt for attaching it to the heliostat. Also disclosed are specific preferred methods steps and structural components.