Abstract: Food and beverage transport and container systems and methods for serving food stuffs or liquids and which includes an insulating cover and a temperature manipulating element associated with the cover. In one aspect, at least a portion of the cover is constructed to allow visual inspection of goods disposed therebehind. The temperature manipulating element associated with the cover is preferably thermally rechargeable such that the cover is reusable whether deployed for heating or cooling operations. In a preferred aspect, the cover and/or temperature manipulating element is configured to monitor and communicate one or more of location, temperature, dwell and/or delivery times associated with use thereof and for assessing overall food service operation sequences and/or efficiency.

Abstract: A device for aiding in bathing having a first sponge cleaning material and a second bristle cleaning material. The first sponge cleaning material is disposed on an exterior side of a first arm, and the second bristle cleaning material is disposed on an exterior side of a second arm. The first arm and second arm are connected to a handle at a common point, forming a Y shape. The first arm and second arm have flexural strengths less than that of the handle, providing a flexible structure that conforms to a user's body.

Abstract: A tuning methods of an External Cavity Laser Diode (ECLD), comprises steps of: (1) providing a laser light to a grating so as to tilt the grating to an optical axis of a collimated laser light, (2) adjusting the orientation of the grating relative to the collimated laser light, (3) monitoring singleness of longitudinal mode and optical power of a light emitted from the grating, (4) calculating an orientation of the grating to exhibit intended optical power at which the singleness of longitudinal mode shows at least predetermined value, (5) adjusting the grating orientation or the optical axis of the collimated laser light to the calculated grating orientation.

Abstract: A tuning methods of an External Cavity Laser Diode (ECLD), comprises steps of: (1) providing a laser light to a grating so as to tilt the grating to an optical axis of a collimated laser light, (2) adjusting the orientation of the grating relative to the collimated laser light, (3) monitoring singleness of longitudinal mode and optical power of a light emitted from the grating, (4) calculating an orientation of the grating to exhibit intended optical power at which the singleness of longitudinal mode shows at least predetermined value, (5) adjusting the grating orientation or the optical axis of the collimated laser light to the calculated grating orientation.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a masking element configured to mask a predetermined quantity of lens elements of a lens array during a scan of a media object to change a depth of field of the lens array.

Abstract: A positioning device without backlash includes a table and at least one gear operatively associated with the table. At least one worm gear is connected to the gear and the gear is driven in a desired direction with a primary motor and a synchronized slave motor. The synchronized slave motor is then reversible to remove the backlash in the positioning device thereby permitting an actual position to correspond with a dialed-in position.

Abstract: An object plane detection system comprises a light source adapted to illuminate a media object to generate an image area on a photosensitive sensor. The system also comprises a detection module adapted to determine a location of an object plane corresponding to the media object based on a size of the image area.

Abstract: Transparency media adapter and methods of using the same. Implementations of a system may comprise an imaging device having a light source and at least one sensor. A media adapter operatively associated with the imaging device includes a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface arranged to shift light emitted by the light source to a predetermined focus point of the at least one sensor during an imaging operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling electronic document ratification. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to receiving an unmodifiable document with a document receiving device, collecting handwritten content from a recipient of the document, and adding data reflective of the handwritten content to the document without scanning original content of the document.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel system that includes a plurality of wheels and a base. The plurality of wheels are connected to the base, whereby the base has a plurality of curvature portions that provides for the easy maneuverability of the plurality of wheels.

Abstract: Optical image scanners with a reduced optical head profile are provided. One embodiment is an optical image scanner having a reduced optical head profile. Briefly described, one such optical image scanner comprises an optical head assembly having a scanline axis and a translation system for translating the optical head assembly. The translation system is positioned within a cross-sectional width of the optical head assembly along the scanline axis of the optical head assembly.

Abstract: Cam-operated focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment comprises a method of adjusting the location of an object plane above a platen to be scanned by an optical head. Briefly described, one such method comprises rotating a cam-shaped spacer that is functionally disposed between the platen and the optical head.

Abstract: A flexibly-stiffened electrical cable comprises a flexible cable adapted to transmit electrical signals along a longitudinal direction. The cable is also nonlinearly formed in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A method for differentiating tissue types, which is suitable as a method for obtaining data to enable a cancer screening process, comprises applying an alternating electric current to an area of tissue across a range of frequencies. The tissue impedance is measured at each frequency and the results fitted to a Cole equation. It has been found that the method is good at distinguishing between tissues having different size nuclei, or different ratios of nuclear to cytoplasm volume. This is related to the resistance (S) to electrical current flow through cytoplasm. Results may be improved by combining S with a value (R) for the resistance offered to electrical current through pathways between the cells. The method may be used in vivo or in vitro.