Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for automatically mitigating overlapping labels associated with pie charts. In particular, the techniques involve migrating positions of the labels in response to adjustments of the pie chart to ensure that the labels are distributed in a non-overlapping, uniform, and aesthetically-pleasing manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for automatically mitigating overlapping labels associated with pie charts. In particular, the techniques involve migrating positions of the labels in response to adjustments of the pie chart to ensure that the labels are distributed in a non-overlapping, uniform, and aesthetically-pleasing manner.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) element tunes a resonator to a frequency.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus and methods for surface acoustic wave (SAW) switching are disclosed. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric substrate having spaced apart input and output SAW transducers. A MEMS switch is arranged between the input and output SAW transducers The MEMS switch has a deformable member in electromagnetic communication with one or more actuation electrodes formed on or above the substrate. The deformable member is deformable to mechanically contact the substrate to deflect or absorb a SAW generated by the input SAW transducer.

Abstract: A tricycle convertible to a bicycle. The tricycle has a first wheel rotatably mounted on one end portion of a frame, and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the frame, wherein the laterally spaced wheels are movable, while the tricycle is in motion, between a first position with relatively wide ground-level spacing and a second position with minimal ground-level spacing. A wheel hub capable of providing adjustable wheel camber has left and right pivotally mounted axles extending laterally from the hub body, the axles each adapted to support a wheel and mounted so as to pivot vertically, and a dual camber control mechanism coupled to the axles and adapted to provide coordinated camber adjustment in the same direction for wheels on both axles. The hub has sufficient range of motion to allow the wheels to change from negative camber to positive camber, and is useful in a method of stabilizing a bicycle or the like to increase safety during rider training.

Abstract: The frequency uniformity of a film bulk acoustic resonator may be improved by controlling the thickness across a wafer of one or more layers of the film bulk acoustic resonator. One or more layers of the film bulk acoustic resonator may be deposited in a way that irregularities in the deposition process from one die to another may be controlled.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus and methods for surface acoustic wave (SAW) switching are disclosed. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric substrate having spaced apart input and output SAW transducers. A MEMS switch is arranged between the input and output SAW transducers The MEMS switch has a deformable member in electromagnetic communication with one or more actuation electrodes formed on or above the substrate. The deformable member is deformable to mechanically contact the substrate to deflect or absorb a SAW generated by the input SAW transducer.

Abstract: A communication unit includes a switch unit, and antenna, a transmitter and a receiver. The switch unit includes a plurality of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) switches and couples the antenna to the transmitter and the receiver. A switch unit includes a die, a first transmission line formed on the die, and a second transmission line formed on the die, and a plurality of MEMS switches. The plurality of MEMS switches couple the first transmission line to the second transmission line.

Abstract: Packaged film bulk acoustic resonators may be tuned after packaging by exposing them to irradiation. In one embodiment, transparent covers may be provided so that the film bulk acoustic resonator filter may be exposed to laser irradiation to either add or remove material from the filter and to thereby adjust its frequency.

Abstract: Packaged film bulk acoustic resonators may be tuned after packaging by exposing them to irradiation. In one embodiment, transparent covers may be provided so that the film bulk acoustic resonator filter may be exposed to laser irradiation to either add or remove material from the filter and to thereby adjust its frequency.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus and methods for surface acoustic wave (SAW) switching are disclosed. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric substrate having spaced apart input and output SAW transducers. A MEMS switch is arranged between the input and output SAW transducers The MEMS switch has a deformable member in electromagnetic communication with one or more actuation electrodes formed on or above the substrate. The deformable member is deformable to mechanically contact the substrate to deflect or absorb a SAW generated by the input SAW transducer.

Abstract: The frequency uniformity of a film bulk acoustic resonator may be improved by controlling the thickness across a wafer of one or more layers of the film bulk acoustic resonator. One or more layers of the film bulk acoustic resonator may be deposited in a way that irregularities in the deposition process from one die to another may be controlled.

Abstract: An improved artificial mechanical heart valve prosthesis having an improved leaflet hinge mechanism which improves washing of the hinge recess, reduces leaflet closing impact force and decreases noise and wear. A generally annular valve body having an annular interior surface extending between an inflow rim and an outflow rim thereof defines an annular orifice therethrough. A pair of leaflets are supported on said annular valve body for alternately blocking blood flow in an inflow direction when seated against the annular interior side wall in a closed position and then allowing the flow of blood through said annular orifice in a predetermined blood outflow direction when rotated into an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modifying a pyrolytic carbon surface to improve adhesion between it and a subsequently added polymer and/or a bio-active compound. In particular, plasma depositing an oxygen-containing, silicon-containing film forming monomer on a pyrolytic carbon surface improves adhesion of a polymer thereto, wherein the modified pyrolytic carbon surface and silicone rubber has a wet adhesion peel force greater than the wet adhesion peel force between an unmodified pyrolytic carbon and silicone rubber as measured by ASTM D 903-49 after 28 days in an aqueous environment, typically, at least 10 times greater.

Abstract: An improved artificial mechanical heart valve prosthesis having an improved leaflet hinge mechanism which improves washing of the hinge recess, reduces leaflet closing impact force and decreases noise and wear. A generally annular valve body having an annular interior surface extending between an inflow rim and an outflow rim thereof defines an annular orifice therethrough. A pair of leaflets are supported on said annular valve body for alternately blocking blood flow in an inflow direction when seated against the annular interior side wall in a closed position and then allowing the flow of blood through said annular orifice in a predetermined blood outflow direction when rotated into an open position. Each leaflet is supported for pivotal movement by a pair of hinge mechanisms comprising a pair of convexly extending leaflet ears that each fit within a hinge recess formed in parallel planar surfaces of the annular interior side wall.

Abstract: A frangible aircraft floor includes a floor support having at least one opening formed therethrough. A thin film is positioned with respect to the opening and is provided with a frangible seam which ruptures when a predetermined pressure difference exists on opposing sides of the film to allow increased airflow through the opening to equalize pressure between the compartments in the event of a sudden loss in pressure.

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of novel multi-arm, polyisobutylene-based star-block polymers comprising a plurality of polyisobutylene-containing, diblock arms radiating from a siloxane core are described. The synthesis has been achieved by cationically polymerizing a monomer, such as styrene, and isobutylene to form diblock prearms and then hydrosilating the unsaturation-functionalized polyisobutylene with siloxanes carrying a plurality of Si—H groups via hydrosilation. The resultant star-block polymers may be thermoplastic elastomers characterized as having superior tensile strength and processing properties as compared to linear triblock polymers of similar hard/soft segments.

Abstract: A band-shaped annuloplasty device (e.g., C- or D-shaped ring) that is relatively rigid during handling and implantation and becomes relatively complaint after implantation. Preferably, the device includes a core material that softens after implantation.

Abstract: A prosthetic mechanical heart valve, and in particular, a bi-leaflet and/or a trileaflet mechanical valve formed with rigid frame and hinge elements for providing a stable reliable hinge mechanism with flexible leaflets formed of a thin elastomeric material adhering to and extending from the valve frame to form leaflet occluding sections bounded by outer peripheral edges for softening the opening and closing action of the valve leaflets. In one embodiment, the valve leaflet is formed of a rigid pyrolytic carbon frame supporting hinge elements and defining a leaflet pivot axis and a flexible leaflet body attached to the frame and defining a leaflet abutting section extending from one side of the valve frame and an occluding section extending from the other side of the valve frame to an arcuate leaflet seat.

Abstract: A method of remotely controlling successive operations in at least two remotely controlled devices by actuation of a single key on a remote controller. Multiple data instructions are preassigned to select keys on the keyboard of a remote controller.