Abstract: A microengineered multipole ion guide for use in miniature mass spectrometer systems is described. Exemplary methods of mounting rods in hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries are described. The rods forming the ion guide are supported in etched silicon structures defined in at least first and second substrates.

Abstract: A method and system for adapting a virtual setting to a participant includes launching a simulation program on a computing device, evaluating a virtual profile of the participant and presenting scenarios within the virtual setting appropriate for said participant based on said evaluation, wherein at least a predetermined aspect of the virtual setting is available to the participant regardless of a result of said evaluation and the virtual setting corresponds to the simulation program.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a sensor system for detecting, characterizing, monitoring, and analyzing data. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a monitoring system is configured to obtain data from a sensor system. The sensor system includes two or more sensors and can indicate an operating state detected at a monitored structure by the sensors. The monitoring system also obtains operational data including a threshold value for the sensors and an expected value for the sensors. The monitoring system is configured to adjust the thresholds based, at least partially, upon the operational data to obtain an adjusted threshold value, and to compare the data value to the adjusted threshold. The monitoring system can determine if the monitored structure is operating in an alarm condition.

Abstract: Techniques for generating power are provided. Such techniques involve a thermodynamic system including a housing, a turbine positioned in a turbine cavity of the housing, a compressor positioned in a compressor cavity of the housing, and an alternator positioned in a rotor cavity between the turbine and compressor cavities. The compressor has a high-pressure face facing an inlet of the compressor cavity and a low-pressure face on an opposite side thereof. The alternator has a rotor shaft operatively connected to the turbine and compressor, and is supported in the housing by bearings. Ridges extending from the low-pressure face of the compressor may be provided for balancing thrust across the compressor. Seals may be positioned about the alternator for selectively leaking fluid into the rotor cavity to reduce the temperature therein.

Abstract: Methods and systems respectively provide for receiving a wireless signal coverage map request from a wireless device. A map is generated in accordance with the request and provided to the wireless device. The map includes symbology keyed to wireless signal services within a particular geographic area. Such symbology can be indicative of recommended areas and travel routes having particular types of wireless signal coverage, regions of poor or non-existent wireless signal service, areas presently experiencing heavy wireless signal usage, and so on. In this way, a wireless device user can seek to access specific wireless services and/or avoid suspect trouble regions within a geographic area.

Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to tuning composition of a fluid mixture in a supercritical Brayton cycle power generation system are described herein. Compounds, such as Alkanes, are selectively added or removed from an operating fluid of the supercritical Brayton cycle power generation system to cause the critical temperature of the fluid to move up or down, depending upon environmental conditions. As efficiency of the supercritical Brayton cycle power generation system is substantially optimized when heat is rejected near the critical temperature of the fluid, dynamically modifying the critical temperature of the fluid based upon sensed environmental conditions improves efficiency of such a system.

Abstract: Data from live events is incorporated into virtual simulations and games. The data may be obtained from various sensors and transferred over a network. However, should one of the participants be a threat, then portions of the virtual simulations and games may be disabled to protect the other participants.

Abstract: Methods and systems respectively provide for receiving a wireless signal coverage map request from a wireless device. A map is generated in accordance with the request and provided to the wireless device. The map includes symbology keyed to wireless signal services within a particular geographic area. Such symbology can be indicative of recommended areas and travel routes having particular types of wireless signal coverage, regions of poor or non-existent wireless signal service, areas presently experiencing heavy wireless signal usage, and so on. In this way, a wireless device user can seek to access specific wireless services and/or avoid suspect trouble regions within a geographic area.

Abstract: Example methods disclosed herein to monitor wireless system operation include processing a plurality of session records describing characteristics of wireless sessions in a coverage area of a wireless system to determine a first time interval for a first wireless device to propagate from a first access point in the coverage area to a second access point in the coverage area, determining a coverage area traversal rate for the first wireless device based on the first time interval, the coverage area traversal rate corresponding to a rate at which the first wireless device is traversing the coverage area, and providing a wireless service advisory for the coverage area to a second wireless device based on the coverage area traversal rate for the first wireless device.

Abstract: Data from live events is incorporated into virtual simulations and games. The data may be obtained from various sensors and transferred over a network. However, should one of the participants be a threat, then portions of the virtual simulations and games may be disabled to protect the other participants.

Abstract: Methods and systems respectively provide for receiving a wireless signal coverage map request from a wireless device. A map is generated in accordance with the request and provided to the wireless device. The map includes symbology keyed to wireless signal services within a particular geographic area. Such symbology can be indicative of recommended areas and travel routes having particular types of wireless signal coverage, regions of poor or non-existent wireless signal service, areas presently experiencing heavy wireless signal usage, and so on. In this way, a wireless device user can seek to access specific wireless services and/or avoid suspect trouble regions within a geographic area.

Abstract: A method and system for providing substantially real-time data into a virtual setting comprises launching a simulation program on a computing device, receiving data gathered from a live event, accessing the data by the computing device and incorporating at least a portion of the accessed data into the simulation program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for analysis of wireless signal session data records in order to detect a selectively defined relationship. The relationship involves one or more wireless signal performance metrics and a geographical area. The relationships can be correlated with at least one syndrome of real-world circumstances. Detection of one or more relationships can be reported and leveraged to improve wireless signal service within an area or throughout a wireless system or infrastructure. Such detection and syndrome reporting can also be used to provide valuable and time-saving information to wireless system users.

Abstract: A miniature mass spectrometer that may be coupled to an atmospheric pressure ionisation source is described. Ions pass through a small orifice from a region at atmospheric pressure or low vacuum, and undergo efficient collisional cooling as they transit a very short, differentially pumped ion guide. A narrow beam of low energy ions is passed through a small aperture and into a separate chamber containing the mass analyser.

Abstract: Methods and means provide for handling wireless signal sessions. A failure in wireless communication between a wireless device and a supporting wireless system is detected. The wireless signal session is preserved in a hold state for a limited time. The wireless system attempts to reestablish communication with the wireless device by way of one or more resources of the wireless system prior to the expiration of hold period. Reestablished communication can involve another communications tower or other aspects of the wireless system. In one or more embodiments, other wireless devices are accessed and serve to daisy chain wireless communications between the wireless device and wireless system until direct communications can be reestablished.

Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.

Abstract: A test bench for testing a hammer and hammer tool comprising: a bench frame; a load cell assembly mounted on the bench frame for absorbing the impact delivered by the hammer; and a movable mounting deck for securing the hammer to the bench frame and for moving the hammer with the hammer tool into a test firing position against the load cell assembly and delivering an impact force against the load cell assembly. The load cell assembly comprises a pneumatic air bag assembly constructed to dissipate the impact force of the hammer. Other aspects include a load cell assembly for testing a hammer and hammer tool and a method for test firing a hammer tool. Hydraulic hammers generating forces between 200 ft-lb and 12,000 ft-lb can be adequately test fired.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a receiver operable to receive broadcast programmes and electronic programme guide data, a display generator operable to generate an image for display, a user interface generator operable to use received electronic programme guide data to generate an electronic programme guide indicating one or more programmes on a broadcast schedule, for display as some or all of the image, a user input operable to receive an input indicating a programme selected by a user from the electronic programme guide, and a network communicator operable to communicate with one or more remote entertainment systems over a network. The entertainment system is arranged to obtain information based upon the electronic programme guide data corresponding to the user's selected programme, and the communicator is arranged to transmit a message comprising the obtained information to one or more remote entertainment systems, thereby indicating to each remote system the user's selected programme.

Abstract: A method of mounting rods in quadrupole, hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries is described. First and second dies are used to hold the rods in the required configuration with the plurality of rods extending through each of the two dies. A coupling arrangement is used to separate the first and second dies, and also prevents motion in the plane of the dies. The rods are seated and retained against individual supports and arranged circumferentially about an intended ion beam axis. The supports are desirably fabricated from silicon bonded to a glass substrate, a support for a first rod being electrically isolated from a support for a second adjacent rod.

Abstract: A microengineered multipole ion guide for use in miniature mass spectrometer systems is described. Exemplary methods of mounting rods in hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries are described. The rods forming the ion guide are supported in etched silicon structures defined in at least first and second substrates.