Abstract: Conical inlet refiner elements for a mechanical refiner include: a conical stator element disposed between a feedstock inlet to the mechanical refiner and primary refining plates of the mechanical refiner; and a conical rotor element disposed between the feedstock inlet to the mechanical refiner and the primary refining plates, the conical rotor element configured to form an initial refining gap with the conical stator element. The conical stator element and the conical rotor element are configured to cause a radial change greater than zero but less than 90 degrees in a direction of an axial feedstock flow path through the initial refining gap at a feedstock inlet to a primary refining gap formed between the primary refining plates, where the primary refining gap formed between the primary refining plates lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the axial feedstock flow path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating ischemic stroke by illuminating a skin surface to reduce free radical generation in subsurface target tissues (e.g., the brain following an ischemic event). The method utilizes a waveguide that receives light from a light source. The waveguide is placed adjacent a skin surface of a patient and the waveguide emits light that passes through the skin surface and illuminates a subsurface target tissue. The waveguide includes light-extracting features configured to emit light at a target angle relative to the surface tissue. That is, the light-extracting features alter a trajectory of light emitted by the waveguide, such that a larger percentage of light emitted by the light guide has an angle that is +/?25 degrees off of a center line of the light guide.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the hell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for illuminating an automotive component. The illumination assembly includes a light guide that emits light along its length and that has a shape of the automotive component.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the hell end can he crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for illuminating an automotive component. The illumination assembly includes a light guide that emits light along its length and that has a shape of the automotive component.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a controller turns a heat pump system on in heating mode or cooling mode and determines a position for the heat pump system's reversing valve based on an O/B setting. The O/B setting indicates to configure the reversing valve in a first position that causes refrigerant to flow in a first direction when in heating mode and in a second position that causes the refrigerant to flow in a second, opposite direction when in cooling mode. The controller determines whether to maintain or reverse the O/B setting. If the heat pump system heats while in the heating mode or cools while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is maintained. If the heat pump system cools while in the heating mode or heats while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is reversed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a controller turns a heat pump system on in heating mode or cooling mode and determines a position for the heat pump system's reversing valve based on an O/B setting. The O/B setting indicates to configure the reversing valve in a first position that causes refrigerant to flow in a first direction when in heating mode and in a second position that causes the refrigerant to flow in a second, opposite direction when in cooling mode. The controller determines whether to maintain or reverse the O/B setting. If the heat pump system heats while in the heating mode or cools while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is maintained. If the heat pump system cools while in the heating mode or heats while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is reversed.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: A logarithmic level detector (9) produces analog signals that represent logarithms of the voltage across, and current through, a target device (7). These signals are then passed to a processor (1) that performs a digital conversion. Because the digital conversion takes place after logarithmic conversion, it becomes possible to obtain an appropriate resolution for all signal levels, and a calculation of impedance of a target device, with reduced error, is enabled.

Abstract: Data is collected and retrieved in the form of a data picture using an interface that has a portion for presenting a data palette and another portion for presenting a data canvas. The data picture is created by a user selecting one or more data parameters from the data menu of the user's choice, and arranging such on the data canvas. The data parameters can relate to perceptions, impressions, rationales, motivations, etc., so that subjective user preferences can be easily captured in a user-friendly fashion. Moreover, the data parameters can be arranged in different graphical arrangements and rankings to enhance capturing of the user's preferences. In this manner, a user can effectively express input data in a visual depiction or picture form concerning a particular action/transaction, without having to respond to lengthy questionnaires, forms and screens requiring numerical input, etc.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for capturing application data in picture form. A set of data capture tools, including a subjective data parameter palette and accompanying data canvas, are presented to an operator during an interactive session. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can paint a data picture representing his/her subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.

Abstract: A stock trading application program which executes within an Internet browser is provided for capturing user specified subjective information concerning user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc. The subjective information is stored as data records which can be examined, analysed and correlated to assist a user in determining whether to engage in particular trades.

Abstract: Known measuring instruments generate a test signal for application to a target device. Linear analogue to digital converters are then used to produce data samples representing the voltage across and the current through the device and these data samples are used to calculate impedance as a function of frequency. The A/D conversion process can be expected to worsen with reducing signal levels. This problem is overcome, in the invention, by using a logarithmic level detector (9) to produce analogue signals that represent logarithms of the voltage across and current through the device (7).

Abstract: A graphical user interface and related programs are provided for capturing and retrieving data corresponding to subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction, such as for purchasing or selling a security or other item. The interface presents the user with a menu of potential selectable parameters, and a preference field for visually identifying and arranging such parameters. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can effectively express rationale or factors associated with an actual or proposed transaction in a visual depiction or picture form. The interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc., and in other environments where it is desirable to collect or query data in a combination of text and picture form.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for capturing application data in picture form. A set of data capture tools, including a subjective data parameter pallette and accompanying data canvas, are presented to an operator during an interactive session. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can paint a data picture representing his/her subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for capturing application data in picture form. A set of data capture tools, including a subjective data parameter pallette and accompanying data canvas, are presented to an operator during an interactive session. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can paint a data picture representing his/her subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for capturing application data in picture form. A set of data capture tools, including a subjective data parameter pallette and accompanying data canvas, are presented to an operator during an interactive session. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can paint a data picture representing his/her subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.