Abstract: A countertop-mounted digital image capture and processing system that includes a housing having an imaging window with an illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The single array of LEDs is disposed immediately behind the illumination-focusing lens structure, for generating a field of visible illumination that reflects off an object within said FOV and is transmitted back through said imaging window and onto said area-type image detection array.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window, and an image formation and detection subsystem, disposed in the housing, having an area-type image detection array supporting a single snap-shot mode of image acquisition and a periodic snap-shot mode of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object.

Abstract: Bridged polysesquioxane compositions comprising: a bridged polysesquioxane host matrix comprising sesquioxane moieties and organic moieties, the sesquioxane moieties comprising a metallic element, the organic moieties interposed between sesquioxane moieties; and a guest molecule comprising a lanthanide atom; at least some of the organic moieties comprising a substituent selected from the group consisting of electron withdrawing functional groups and electron donating functional groups. Processes for making such bridged polysesquioxane compositions. Gain media and active materials for upconversion lasers comprising such bridged polysesquioxane compositions. Light can be amplified by fluorescence emissions from the bridged polysesquioxane compositions.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: A device for handling and testing individual sliders in a row-like format utilizes an elongated, row-like holder having a series of small pockets, each of which receives a single slider. After the sliders enter the holder, a clamp is moved to a closed position to retain the sliders in the holder. The holder is placed in a test fixture such that permanently mounted probes precisely engage the small pads on the sliders for multiple testing purposes. Enlarged probe pads on the test fixture are electrically interconnected with the probes to provide an operator with easy access to the slider pads. The sliders are tested in a row-like format, side by side, to reduce handling-induced electrostatic discharge and mechanical damage.

Abstract: A polysesquioxane composition, comprising (i) a polysesquioxane matrix comprising sesquioxane moieties comprising a metallic element; (ii) a hydrophilic component; and (iii) a proton-conducting component, is provided. The metallic element can be silicon, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, germanium, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The hydrophilic component can comprise an imidazole moiety, a pyrazole moiety, a benzimidazole moiety, a silanol moiety, a cyclodextrin, or two or more thereof, and the hydrophilic component can be covalently bonded to the polysesquioxane matrix. The proton-conducting component can comprise an inorganic Brønsted acid moiety. The polysesquioxane composition can be used as a proton exchange membrane in a fuel cell; as a component of a membrane electrode assembly; or as a sensor assembly in a potentiometric sensor.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: Bridged polysesquioxane compositions comprising: a bridged polysesquioxane host matrix comprising sesquioxane moieties and organic moieties, the sesquioxane moieties comprising a metallic element, the organic moieties interposed between sesquioxane moieties; and a guest molecule comprising a lanthanide atom; at least some of the organic moieties comprising a substituent selected from the group consisting of electron withdrawing functional groups and electron donating functional groups. Processes for making such bridged polysesquioxane compositions. Gain media and active materials for upconversion lasers comprising such bridged polysesquioxane compositions. Light can be amplified by fluorescence emissions from the bridged polysesquioxane compositions.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for providing VoIP services comprises: (a) a telephone hardware interface connectable to a POTS network; (b) a VoIP gateway connectable to a VoIP network; (c) a bridge operable to interconnect a POTS session over the telephone hardware interface with a VoIP session over the VoIP gateway; and (d) an input/output interface that is connected to at least one of the telephone hardware interface, the VoIP gateway, and the bridge, and which is also connectable to a telephone.

Abstract: A process for the production of Portland cement and white Portland cement using magnesium furnace slag, a waste product from the manufacture of magnesium metal, as a primary starting material. The furnace slag is blended with calcium oxide and silicon dioxide to form a feedstock which is heated to a temperature and for an amount of time sufficient to form clinker. The clinker is cooled, ground to a powder, and blended the clinker with powdered gypsum to form the Portland cement. White Portland cement may be produced by removing iron containing compounds from the slag, minimizing contamination of the material by iron compounds throughout the process, and cooling the clinker in a manner that minimizes oxidation of any remaining iron compounds in the clinker.

Abstract: A digital audio system configured to facilitate a collaborative audio session comprises a first digital audio device operable by a first user, a second digital audio device operable by a second user independently of the first digital audio device, and a server configured to communicate with the first digital audio device and the second digital audio device over a network, receive a request from at least one of the digital audio devices for participation in a collaborative audio session, and facilitate communication between the first digital audio device and the second digital audio device.

Abstract: A random number generator that generates random numbers based on measurements of one or more environmental quantities. The random number generator includes a first sensor for generating a first sequence of digital values representing measurements of a first environmental quantity at successive times. A first compressor that provides a first sequence of compressed values having a lower internal correlation than the values of the first sequence of digital values compresses the sequence of digital values. The random number generator generates an output random number via a circuit for generating a random number from an input sequence of digital values, the input sequence being a function of one of the first sequence of compressed values. The circuit may utilize a hash function to provide further security. In addition, the circuit includes a blocking circuit for preventing the generator from outputting a random number if the input sequences fail a predetermined test.

Abstract: A process for the production of Portland cement and white Portland cement using magnesium furnace slag, a waste product from the manufacture of magnesium metal, as a primary starting material. The furnace slag is blended with calcium oxide and silicon dioxide to form a feedstock which is heated to a temperature and for an amount of time sufficient to form clinker. The clinker is cooled, ground to a powder, and blended the clinker with powdered gypsum to form the Portland cement. White Portland cement may be produced by removing iron containing compounds from the slag, minimizing contamination of the material by iron compounds throughout the process, and cooling the clinker in a manner that minimizes oxidation of any remaining iron compounds in the clinker.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved point-of-use PFC/HFC abatement process involving an electrochemical route to abatement. PFCs/HFCs are treated with a relatively strong chemical reducing agent, typically an alkali such as lithium, potassium, or sodium, in a system that promotes ionization of the alkali, e.g., by inclusion of ammonia or other compound that promotes dissolution of the alkali to ions. The electrochemical potential arising from the ionization process provides sufficient energy to extract the fluorine atoms from the PFCs/HFCs. The system also contains a weak acid proton donor to provide a hydrogenation source. The weak acid is believed to displace the reaction equilibrium by protonation, to allow the reaction to proceed at a sufficient rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a systematic method for “engineering” hybrid inorganic/organic compounds (IOCs) to exhibit specific physico-chemical properties as may be desired for a particular materials application. Such hybrid inorganic/organic compounds comprise, in some embodiments, an organic phase in the form of a polymer matrix and an inorganic phase that is chemically linked thereto. In one embodiment of the method, given a specific application, (i) desired physico-chemical properties to be possessed by the hybrid IOC are defined; (ii) candidate inorganic and organic phases are selected; (iii) the morphology of those phases is controlled via “microstructural engineering” such that the phases collectively exhibit the physico-chemical properties required of the hybrid IOC; and (iv) the morphology of the hybrid IOC is controlled via “macrostructural engineering” such that the physico-chemical collectively possessed by the phases are exhibited by the hybrid IOC.

Abstract: An improved photorecording medium suitable for use in holographic storage systems contains a glassy hybrid inorganic-organic, three dimensional matrix, in which is distributed a photoimageable system comprising one or more photoactive, organic monomers. The medium is fabricated by providing a precursor of the hybrid inorganic-organic matrix, mixing the matrix precursor with the photoimageable system, and curing the matrix precursor to form the matrix in situ. The matrix and photoimageable system exhibit independent chemistries, such that the step of matrix formation does not substantially affect the photoimageable system. The hybrid matrix precursor is typically an oligomer derived from a compound represented by RnM(OR′)4−n, where M is a metallic element having a valence of three or higher, such as silicon, titanium, germanium, zirconium, vanadium, or aluminum, R is an alkyl or aryl, R′ is a lower alkyl, and n ranges from 1 to 2.

Abstract: A tool block holds an integrated lead suspension during assembly. The tool block has a number of features for precisely positioning the integrated lead suspension while transducer heads are being mechanically and electrically connected to it. The most critical feature is a movable datum clamping pin which is positioned to precisely engage a mount plate on the integrated lead suspension. Other features of the tool block include a platform support, a locating hole, a platform clamp and a pivot arm.

Abstract: A pallet accelerator transfers workpiece pallets at high speeds from a pre-stop to a work stop in a conveyorized manufacturing line. While a workpiece is being processed in the work stop position, a pallet is released from a release stop into the pallet accelerator at the pre-stop position. The pallet accelerator has two fingers which engage the pallet. The pallet accelerator is pneumatically actuated to accelerate the pre-stop pallet forward while simultaneously pushing the work stop pallet downstream out of the work stop. The pallet accelerator resets for the next pallet released from the release stop while the pallet at the work stop is processed.