Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.

Abstract: A combined hybrid drive and brake system for use with a rotatably driven mechanism includes a hybrid drive system that is adapted to decelerate a rotatably driven mechanism, accumulate the energy resulting from such deceleration, and use the accumulated energy to subsequently accelerate the rotatably driven mechanism. A brake system is adapted to decelerate the rotatably driven mechanism. A control apparatus is responsive to a request for braking torque for decelerating the rotatably driven mechanism by either (1) the hybrid drive system operating alone, (2) the brake system operating alone, or (3) both the hybrid drive system and the brake system operating in combination.

Abstract: A tool bag configured to hold tools for a construction worker. The tool bag comprises a pouch sized and configured for securely carrying construction tools, the pouch further comprising an upper edge defining an opening to the pouch and a lower edge defining a lower edge of the pouch. The linear length of the upper edge of the pouch is shorter than the linear length of the lower edge of the pouch to form an enclosed pouch.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a biological fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base including a top and bottom side, a lid, and an attachment member including one or more retention tabs coupled proximate the top side so that the analyte sensor can be grasped by the sensor's top side. Manufacturing methods and systems adapted to use and dispense the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A full body safety harness system wherein at least 50% of its outwardly visible surface comprises highly visible outer material comprising at least one of a high visibility background material in combination with retroreflective material or a dual purpose retroreflective material.

Abstract: A full body safety harness system comprising a full body safety harness frame configured to safely protect a worker in a fall arrest situation. The frame comprises two opposed shoulder straps that extend from a central crossing point corresponding to a middle of a user's back when the harness is in use, over a user's shoulders and down a user's chest to a chest portion of the shoulder straps. The chest portion comprises an integrated chest strap extending from and joining one shoulder strap to the other, and the integrated chest strap is vertically immovable along the chest portions of the shoulder straps.

Abstract: A full body safety harness system comprising a full body safety harness frame configured to safely protect a worker in a fall arrest situation and comprising shoulder straps, back straps, leg straps and a torso assembly. The torso assembly comprises an elongated horizontal element attached to at least a lower back region of the back straps at about waist or hip level of a user when the harness is in use. The elongated horizontal element comprises first and second tool bag holding areas defined by end members and located at either hip of a user when the harness is in use, the tool bag holding areas each comprising at least one retaining element configured to selectively and securely retain a tool bag at any one of a plurality of desired locations within the respective tool bag holding area.

Abstract: A system for detecting power output of a power amplifier includes a first power detector configured to detect a forward power output of a power amplifier, the first power detector configured to provide a first power detector output, and a second power detector configured to receive a collector parameter signal and detect a collector parameter therefrom, the second power detector also configured to provide a second power detector output.

Abstract: An automated loan risk assessment system and method are described. The system is adapted to receive information about a loan or an insurance application requesting insurance to cover same. The system calculates a risk score for the loan based on a plurality of risk factors including at least two of a fraud risk factor, a credit risk factor and a property valuation risk factor. The risk score can be used by a loan service provider in deciding whether or not to fund or insure the loan.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system and a method to perform distributed healthchecking in a cluster system have been presented. For instance, a distributed healthchecking manager executable on a centralized server in a cluster system can assign nodes of the cluster system to at least some of the nodes for healthchecking. Then the distributed healthchecking manager may monitor the nodes performing healthchecking for reports of one or more failed nodes.

Abstract: An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an electro-optic device comprising a first region of silicon semiconductor material and a second region of III-V semiconductor material. A waveguide of the optical device is formed in part by a ridge in the second region. An optical mode of the waveguide is laterally confined by the ridge of the second region and vertically confined by a vertical boundary included in the first region. The ridge structure further serves as a current confinement structure over the active region of the electro-optic device, eliminating the need for implantation or other structures that are known to present reliability problems during manufacturing. The lack of “voids” and implants in electro-optic devices according to embodiments of the invention leads to better device reliability, process repeatability and improved mechanical strength.

Abstract: A multiple planar surface baffle provides enhanced water flow and leaf capture benefits for pool/spa vacuum heads. A first planar surface is a support plate for attachment to a vacuum head at open segment locations between adjacent support wheels along both front and back edges of the vacuum head. The second and third planar surfaces are displaced at angles relative to one-another, and relative to the support plate. The second and third planar surfaces cooperate when attached to the vacuum head to provide a larger capture opening, to minimize displacement flow of water over the vacuum head, and to provide a water profile that induces enhanced downward water currents to better entrain leaves and other low density debris.

Abstract: A method for forming a hermetically sealed capacitor including: forming an anode; forming a dielectric on the anode; forming a conductive layer on the dielectric thereby forming a capacitive element; inserting the capacitive element into a casing; electrically connecting the anode to an exterior anode connection; electrically connecting the cathode to an exterior cathode connection; filling the casing with an atmosphere comprising a composition, based on 1 kg of atmosphere, of at least 175 g to no more than 245 g of oxygen, at least 7 g to no more than 11 g of water, at least 734 grams to no more than 818 grams of nitrogen and no more than 10 grams of a minor component; and hermetically sealing the casing with the atmosphere with the capacitive element contained in the casing.

Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated frame assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The frame can have at least one reinforced side, and/or a top or bottom surface comprising of a skin base plate and a counterweight plate secured to one another by side stiffener plates. In an alternate embodiment, an integral extender can also be secured to a top portion of the frame. The extender has moveable sides and a hoist for raising and lowering components into and away from the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tool body having parallel columns extending from a common base. The base includes a lip extending outward from the columns defining an anvil for receiving a delta ring. A cutter has a body slidably disposed between the columns. A blade extends outward from the cutter body in opposition to the anvil and is aligned by transverse guide pins extending through guide slots in the columns. In operation, a section of the delta ring is positioned between the blade and the anvil. The blade is driven toward the anvil by any of various mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic mechanisms connected to the stanchion and blade, the simplest of which is a bolt extending through the cutter body and received in a threaded bore in the base. Preferably, the anvil includes a slot for receiving the blade at the extreme of its travel as the ring is severed.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint, for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, comprises an anterior joint replacement component sized to extend into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae. The anterior joint replacement component includes a left anterior member separated and spaced apart from a right anterior member. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a bridge component coupled at a first end to the anterior joint replacement and sized to extend posteriorly outside the intervertebral disc space. The bridge component includes a left bridge member separated and spaced apart from a right bridge member. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a posterior joint replacement component coupled to a second end of the bridge component. The posterior joint replacement component includes a left posterior member separated and spaced apart from a right posterior member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a lamp including an optically transmitting, thermally conductive substrate is provided. The substrate has a first side, a second side, and at least one edge. At least one solid state light source, such as but not limited to a light emitting diode, is disposed on the first side of the substrate. The at least one solid state light source (e.g., light emitting diode) includes at least one junction having a first junction temperature. The substrate used is an optically transmitting, thermally conductive substrate, with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to about 3 W/mK.

Abstract: A housing including a plurality of openings for receiving fiber optic connectors and protecting the polished end face of the connectors from damage while the connectors are stored within a telecommunications connection cabinet. A module with a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to a first optical fiber cable and terminated by a fiber optic connector. Each of the connectors are inserted within openings in a connector holder for storage and protection until the cables need to be connected to a customer equipment cable.

Abstract: An adjustable antenna baffling system includes a mounting plate for antenna radiating elements, baffles, connecting links that connect the baffles to the mounting plate, limit brackets that limit movement of the connecting links, an actuator and a housing. Pushing or pulling a handle on the actuator rotates the connecting links and extends or retracts the baffles to adjust the beamwidth. The housing encloses the components of the system except the handle and a lock tab on the mounting plate. The handle is secured to the lock tab to lock the baffles in the selected position.