Abstract: A method for generating a vertical section of an object surface under inspection by a digital optical-video inspection system movable along a vertical Z axis, comprising obtaining a video image of the object surface; overlaying over the video image on the object surface a sectioning band along a section vector to make a vertical section of the object, the band comprising a number of regions of pixels, the center of each region being a sampling point along the section vector; generating a series of video images of the object surface at several Z axis positions; computing a focus quality measurement Q(n) for each region at each Z axis position Z(n); computing a best focus quality measurement the series of Q(n); and generating a vertical cross-section of the object surface from a set of points x,y,z obtained at each best focus location.

Abstract: A relay assembly is provided that includes a relay sealed within a vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a geographical map illustrating locations of a plurality of wireless nodes of a mesh network; displaying a hierarchically-arranged filter that shows a hierarchical relation of the plurality of wireless nodes; receives a filter configuration; and displaying in the geographical map a subset of the plurality of wireless nodes based on the filter configuration.

Abstract: A system and/or method that provides a virtual alpha-numeric keyboard based at least in part upon a user real-time input entry within a portable computing device. An input component receives an input providing a recognition component to determine and/or infer possible input entries (e.g., virtual keys). Once possible input entries are determined and/or inferred, a rendering component concurrently displays the virtual keys during the input entry.

Abstract: A glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet material is provided in which certain properties, or combinations of properties, are improved relative to similar comparative sheet materials. The sheet material generally comprises a glass mat or glass fabric fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin in which the thermoplastic resin at least partially impregnates the glass mat or fabric. The thermoplastic sheet material contains about 15 wt. % to about 65 wt. % of the glass mat or fabric based on the weight of the thermoplastic sheet material and has a thickness in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 3.0 mm. By including glass mat or fabric and maintaining the sheet thickness in the aforementioned range, the present invention thermoplastic sheet material exhibits improved flexural and/or tensile strength and modulus properties at reduced basis weight compared to a comparative thermoplastic sheet materials.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program product, and computer system for ensuring consistency between data displayed by multiple independent client programs that can simultaneously display server-provided data. The data are accessible only from a server that is not persistently connected to the client computer system(s) displaying the data, so the client programs cannot retrieve the data independently without sending a request to the server. Client programs do not poll the server by sending a request to learn that data capable of being displayed by the multiple client programs have been updated. Instead, client programs are notified by the server program receiving the request to change the data at the time the request is received.

Abstract: A wireless node location mechanism that defines a search region to optimize the computations associated with estimating the location of a given wireless node. According to one implementation, a coverage map associated with each radio receiver that records signal strength data is defined out to a threshold signal strength level. Before computing the estimated location of a given wireless nodes, a search region is defined based on the intersection of the coverage maps associated with each radio receiver that detects the wireless node. Some implementations use information provided by the fact that certain radio receivers did not detect the wireless node to further optimize the location estimate. By defining a search region, which is a generally small area relative to the space encompassed by an entire RF environment, the present invention provides several advantages, such as reducing the processing time and/or power to compute estimated locations for wireless nodes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program product, and computer system for ensuring consistency between data displayed by multiple independent client programs that can simultaneously display server-provided data. The data are accessible only from a server that is not persistently connected to the client computer systems) displaying the data, so the client programs cannot retrieve the data independently without sending a request to the server. Client programs do not poll the server by sending a request to learn that data capable of being displayed by the multiple client programs have been updated. Instead, client programs are notified by the server program receiving the request to change the data at the time the request is received.

Abstract: A patient support including a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, and a plurality of ports mounted at the patient support, which are in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system. At least one of the ports is adapted for coupling to a device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system or delivering a vacuum pressure to the device from the fluid movement system for suctioning fluid through the device when the device is coupled to the port.

Abstract: A wireless node location mechanism that defines a search region to optimize the computations associated with estimating the location of a given wireless node. According to one implementation, a coverage map associated with each radio receiver that records signal strength data is defined out to a threshold signal strength level. Before computing the estimated location of a given wireless nodes, a search region is defined based on the intersection of the coverage maps associated with each radio receiver that detects the wireless node. Some implementations use information provided by the fact that certain radio receivers did not detect the wireless node to further optimize the location estimate. By defining a search region, which is a generally small area relative to the space encompassed by an entire RF environment, the present invention provides several advantages, such as reducing the processing time and/or power to compute estimated locations for wireless nodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of DNA amplification with a first primer that has a random sequence of nucleotides at its 3? end and a generic sequence 5? of the random nucleotides, as well as a second primer with the generic sequence of the first primer. The disclosure further relates to a method of precipitating DNA on a solid medium to improve DNA amplification. In a preferred embodiment, the presently disclosed methods are used for high-throughput genotyping of DNA samples, such as bloodstains or trace amounts of DNA.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a one button disconnect of USB devices. One exemplary embodiment includes a method for safely disconnecting a peripheral device removably connected to a computing system. The method includes signaling an Operating System, through a peripheral communication bus, that peripheral device disconnection is desired; quiescing device driver activities; and disconnecting the signaling device from the computer system.

Abstract: In a virtual private network, a plurality of concentrators form an interface to provide client/remote site access to a private network over a public network. The plurality of concentrators are grouped into a virtual cluster. Each concentrator in the virtual cluster has an IP address and the virtual cluster has a virtual IP address. In operation, one of the plurality of concentrators assumes the virtual IP address and acts as the master device in the cluster. When a client attempts a connection to the private network, the client addresses an initial request to the virtual IP address. The master device responds to the client request by transmitting to the client the IP address of a concentrator in the cluster selected to handle the connection.

Abstract: Optical devices for use with a magnetic resonance imaging breast compression system include light wands and optical adapters that can releasably mate with grids. These devices, and their associated methods, may reduce or eliminate the need for biopsy by allowing for the differentiation of cancerous tumors, non-cancerous tumors, calcifications and cysts.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus including a display and means for navigating among items displayed on the display, arranged to display a first list of items belonging to a higher hierarchical level on the display and being capable of enabling selection of a first item among the higher hierarchical level items by the means for navigation is disclosed. Upon selection of the first item, being arranged to insert and display a second list including at least one item belonging to a lower hierarchical level between the first item and subsequent higher hierarchical level items for enabling selection of a second item from the second list, wherein the second list is hierarchically associated with the first item. A corresponding application, apparatus and computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to providing network management information to wireless access points in a wireless network. In one implementation, a wireless client interrogates a wireless access point for its MAC address, for service set identifier (SSID) information, and/or for authentication-related information. If the wireless client determines that the wireless access point is the correct wireless access point, the wireless client polls sensors for physical environment and parameter (PEP) data, which the wireless client then transmits to the wireless access point.

Abstract: A message such as an email or a MMS message is receiving from a sender over a communication link that includes a media file, such as a MP3 music file, a podcast, or the like. After receiving the message, a keyword that is independent of a content of the media file is automatically generated, and is automatically stored in a metadata field of the media file. In an embodiment, the generated keyword is selected from a locally stored contact list so as to identify the sender of the message that included the media file, enabling the user to identify who sent that media file originally. In other embodiments, the keyword is generated and stored as metadata of the media file by the sender himself, before the message bearing the media file is sent. Users may use the “sender” metadata field to sort or otherwise organize media files.

Abstract: Liquid crystal waveguides for dynamically controlling the refraction of light. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, portions of the liquid crystal material can be induced to form refractive or lens shapes in the cladding that interact with a portion (e.g. evanescent) of light in the waveguide so as to permit electronic control of the refraction/bending, focusing, or defocusing of light as it travels through the waveguide. In one example, a waveguide may be formed using one or more patterned or shaped electrodes that induce formation of such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material, or alternatively, an alignment layer may have one or more regions that define such refractive or lens shapes to induce formation of refractive or lens shapes of the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: Liquid crystal waveguides for dynamically controlling the refraction of light. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, portions of the liquid crystal material can be induced to form refractive or lens shapes in the cladding that interact with a portion (e.g. evanescent) of light in the waveguide so as to permit electronic control of the refraction/bending, focusing, or defocusing of light as it travels through the waveguide. In one example, a waveguide may be formed using one or more patterned or shaped electrodes that induce formation of such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material, or alternatively, an alignment layer may have one or more regions that define such refractive or lens shapes to induce formation of refractive or lens shapes of the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a geographical map illustrating locations of a plurality of wireless nodes of a mesh network; displaying a hierarchically-arranged filter that shows a hierarchical relation of the plurality of wireless nodes; receives a filter configuration; and displaying in the geographical map a subset of the plurality of wireless nodes based on the filter configuration.