Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: A downhole energy harvesting system configured for use in a downhole tool. The system utilizes at least one harvesting antenna supported within the downhole tool. During operation, the harvesting antenna harvests energy from a beacon signal emanating from a beacon included in the downhole tool. The harvested energy is used to power electronics included within the downhole tool during the course of a boring operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating an implant comprising magnetic material and/or a charge storage device in a living animal. The apparatus may include a magnetic field generator (e.g., an electromagnetic field generator) configured to generate a magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnetic field). The apparatus may include a sensor configured to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the changes in the magnetic field. The magnetic material and/or the charge storage device of the implant may cause changes to the magnetic field as the sensor is moved over the implant. The apparatus may include a computer configured to use the sensor signal to detect a location of the implant.

Abstract: A system for tracking an underground object. An above-ground tracking device has an antenna array located at a terminal end. The antenna array can determine a location of the underground object based upon the direction and magnitude of a magnetic field emanating from that object. The tracking device is registrable with a rover such that the antenna array may be moved by the rover in response to the magnetic field. A processor onboard the tracking device may communicate commands to the rover to either maintain its position relative to the underground object, or move to a location where the magnetic field can be measured.

Abstract: A system for tracking and steering a downhole tool using an augmented reality device. A tracker tracks the location of a downhole tool as it moves underground and transmits data to the device, while one or more sensors measure a position and orientation of the device. The device analyzes the data received from the tracker and the sensors and generates a virtual image of the downhole tool. The virtual image is displayed on the device at its detected location relative to the ground surface and relative to the position of the device. The position of the displayed virtual image is modified in response to updated information from the tracker or the sensors. Virtual images representing various parameters of the drilling operation are also displayed on the device in juxtaposition with the virtual image of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembling machine includes a connector strip distribution unit including a reel cradle for holding a reel of the connector strip and a roller for rotating the reel of the connector strip to unwind the connector strip from the reel. The electrical connector assembling machine includes a connector strip feed unit including a feeding device configured to index the connector strip through a feed track in successive feed strokes. The electrical connector assembling machine includes a connector strip notching unit including a notching device configured to cut notches in the connector strip at designated locations. The electrical connector assembling machine includes a contact loading unit loading contacts into the connector strip and an electrical connector separating unit for separating the electrical connector from the connector strip.

Abstract: A vision inspection system includes a platform supporting parts for inspection at an inspection zone, an inspection station positioned adjacent the platform at the inspection zone including an imaging device to image the parts in a field of view above the upper surface, and a vision inspection controller receiving images from the imaging device. The vision inspection controller includes an auto focus module for orienting the imaging device relative to the inspection zone. The auto focus module determines a working distance for the imaging device from the inspection zone. The auto focus module calculates an image contrast score of pixel values of the images at various working distances from the inspection zone. The vision inspection controller causes the inspection station to operate the imaging device at an imaging working distance corresponding to the working distance associated with the highest image contrast score.

Abstract: A vision inspection system includes a platform supporting parts for inspection at an inspection zone, an inspection station positioned adjacent the platform at the inspection zone including an imaging device to image the parts in a field of view above the upper surface, and a vision inspection controller receiving images from the imaging device. The vision inspection controller includes an auto focus module for orienting the imaging device relative to the inspection zone. The auto focus module determines a working distance for the imaging device from the inspection zone. The auto focus module calculates an image contrast score of pixel values of the images at various working distances from the inspection zone. The vision inspection controller causes the inspection station to operate the imaging device at an imaging working distance corresponding to the working distance associated with the highest image contrast score.

Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are processing biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component containing leukocytes. The filter assemblies include a flexible housing with first and second walls. A filtration medium and a support member are at least partially positioned between the walls of the housing, with a seal joining the walls of the housing, the filtration medium, and the support member. The filter assemblies may further include a pre-filter and/or a post-filter positioned between the walls of the housing. If provided, the pre- and post-filter may be positioned on opposite walls of the filtration medium, with the post-filter being a mesh positioned between the filtration medium and one of the walls of the housing or within an opening defined by the support member. A seal of the filter assembly may pass through the filtration medium, with the filtration medium being substantially omitted in a section of the seal.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are processing biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component containing leukocytes. The filter assemblies include a flexible housing with first and second walls. A filtration medium and a support member are at least partially positioned between the walls of the housing, with a seal joining the walls of the housing, the filtration medium, and the support member. The filter assemblies may further include a pre-filter and/or a post-filter positioned between the walls of the housing. If provided, the pre- and post-filter may be positioned on opposite walls of the filtration medium, with the post-filter being a mesh positioned between the filtration medium and one of the walls of the housing or within an opening defined by the support member. A seal of the filter assembly may pass through the filtration medium, with the filtration medium being substantially omitted in a section of the seal.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are processing biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component containing leukocytes. The filter assemblies include a flexible housing with first and second walls. A filtration medium and a support member are at least partially positioned between the walls of the housing, with a seal joining the walls of the housing, the filtration medium, and the support member. The filter assemblies may further include a pre-filter and/or a post-filter positioned between the walls of the housing. If provided, the pre- and post-filter may be positioned on opposite walls of the filtration medium, with the post-filter being a mesh positioned between the filtration medium and one of the walls of the housing or within an opening defined by the support member. A seal of the filter assembly may pass through the filtration medium, with the filtration medium being substantially omitted in a section of the seal.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are processing biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component containing leukocytes. The filter assemblies include a flexible housing with first and second walls. A filtration medium and a support member are at least partially positioned between the walls of the housing, with a seal joining the walls of the housing, the filtration medium, and the support member. The filter assemblies may further include a pre-filter and/or a post-filter positioned between the walls of the housing. If provided, the pre- and post-filter may be positioned on opposite walls of the filtration medium, with the post-filter being a mesh positioned between the filtration medium and one of the walls of the housing or within an opening defined by the support member. A seal of the filter assembly may pass through the filtration medium, with the filtration medium being substantially omitted in a section of the seal.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.