Abstract: The present invention relates to using a self calibrating and recalibrating 230, 925 optical sensors piston rod displacement. Self calibration enables field calibration of uncalibrated 230, 925 optical sensors. During operation, recalibration enables detecting and correcting for wear and damage of the 200 piston rod and/or 230, 925 optical sensors. 210 Calibration positions on the surface of the 200 piston rod are imaged by 230 optical sensors using laser or darkfield lenses designed for optical computer mice. Natural surface patterns can be used in locations where 210 calibration positions are required, which reduces or eliminates the need for marked 210 calibration positions. Marked 210 calibration positions are spatially unique encoded sequences used to determine the piston rod absolute position. Storing only the significant features of 210 calibration positions saves significant memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using a self calibrating and recalibrating 230, 925 optical sensors piston rod displacement. Self calibration enables field calibration of uncalibrated 230, 925 optical sensors. During operation, recalibration enables detecting and correcting for wear and damage of the 200 piston rod and/or 230, 925 optical sensors. 210 Calibration positions on the surface of the 200 piston rod are imaged by 230 optical sensors using laser or darkfield lenses designed for optical computer mice. Natural surface patterns can be used in locations where 210 calibration positions are required, which reduces or eliminates the need for marked 210 calibration positions. Marked 210 calibration positions are spatially unique encoded sequences used to determine the piston rod absolute position. Storing only the significant features of 210 calibration positions saves significant memory.

Abstract: A user, such as an employee of an institution, may travel overseas where data or devices may be compromised. Described herein is a system and method for receiving travel data for the user from a travel data source and receiving a list of countries with a high level of security threats where data security may be an issue. Based on the travel data for the user and the list of countries with a high level of security threats, it may be determined whether the user is entering a country with a high level of security threats. If so, one or more user devices associated with the user may be determined, and data security scans of the devices may be generated before, during, and/or after travel. Data security issues may be determined based on a comparison of the scans. A report of the issues may optionally be generated.

Abstract: A user, such as an employee of an institution, may travel overseas where data or devices may be compromised. Described herein is a system and method for receiving travel data for the user from a travel data source and receiving a list of countries with a high level of security threats where data security may be an issue. Based on the travel data for the user and the list of countries with a high level of security threats, it may be determined whether the user is entering a country with a high level of security threats. If so, one or more user devices associated with the user may be determined, and data security scans of the devices may be generated before, during, and/or after travel. Data security issues may be determined based on a comparison of the scans. A report of the issues may optionally be generated.

Abstract: A cascade aerator comprising a plurality of longitudinal channels that receive a fluid therethrough. The longitudinal channels are in fluid communication with a plurality of flow control gates, such that a first number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a first longitudinal channel and a second number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a second longitudinal channel. The first number of flow control gates may define a crest height that is lower, along a vertical direction, than a crest height defined by the second number of flow control gates. The flow control gates may define a crest length proximate a crest of the flow control gate and a nappe length defined proximate a first height above the crest. The nappe length may be greater than the crest length. The aerator may have a plurality of low head baffles.

Abstract: A lighting device can include a substrate, two or more light-emitting elements formed over the substrate, an affixing layer fixing the two or more light-emitting elements in place, and a transparent conductive layer in electrical contact with the light-emitting elements. The substrate and the transparent conductive layer sandwich the affixing layer with the light-emitting elements in place. The affixing layer is an electrically insulating material. The affixing layer is doped with a photo active or photochromic material. In a first mode when the light-emitting elements are energized, the photo active or photochromic material of the affixing layer is excited by the light-emitting elements. In a second mode when the light-emitting elements are de-energized, the affixing layer produces a persistent luminescence.

Abstract: A lighting element, comprising: a first substrate; a first and second conductive elements located on the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first contact being electrically connected to the first conductive element, the second contact being electrically connected to the second conductive element, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a top layer adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the first substrate and the top layer, the affixing layer affixing the top layer to the first substrate; and a heat spreading layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the heat spreading layer being affixed beneath the first flexible substrate at the third surface, wherein the flexible top layer is substantially transparent to light.

Abstract: A cascade aerator comprising a plurality of longitudinal channels that receive a fluid therethrough. The longitudinal channels are in fluid communication with a plurality of flow control gates, such that a first number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a first longitudinal channel and a second number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a second longitudinal channel. The first number of flow control gates may define a crest height that is lower, along a vertical direction, than a crest height defined by the second number of flow control gates. The flow control gates may define a crest length proximate a crest of the flow control gate and a nappe length defined proximate a first height above the crest. The nappe length may be greater than the crest length. The aerator may have a plurality of low head baffles.

Abstract: A lighting element, comprising: a first substrate; a first and second conductive elements located on the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first contact being electrically connected to the first conductive element, the second contact being electrically connected to the second conductive element, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a top layer adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the first substrate and the top layer, the affixing layer affixing the top layer to the first substrate; and a heat spreading layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the heat spreading layer being affixed beneath the first flexible substrate at the third surface, wherein the flexible top layer is substantially transparent to light.

Abstract: A lighting element is provided, comprising: a substrate; first and second conductive elements located on the substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a first conductive connector located between the first conductive element and the first contact, electrically connecting the first conductive element to the first contact; a second conductive connector located between the second conductive element and the second contact, to electrically connecting the second conductive element to the second contact; a first protective conformal coating located adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the flexible substrate and the first protective conformal coating, the affixing layer affixing the first protective conformal coating to the flexible substrate, wherein the first protective conformal coating is substantiall

Abstract: Described is a belt used in conjunction with road wheels device and method of supporting weight of hybrid tire tracking-laying vehicles more safely and efficiently at highway speeds. The supporting device includes belts 004, road tires 002, track tires 003, tensioning tires 015, and supporting frame and axles. The road tires 002 are located outside beside the belt 004 with a larger diameter than the belt 004. The outside road tires work to laterally guide the belt 004 and to prevent the rubber belt 004 from track-throwing. The tensioning tires 015 running inside the belt 004 along the wheel runways 027, are guided by the belt guide horns 020. In this proposed device, the belt 004 can remain sufficiently taut to prevent the guide horns 020 from slipping over the track tires 003 and road tires 002. The designed hybrid belt with tires can remove debris such as mud and sand, and prevent track-throwing even during turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A fluid linkage allows for coordinated movement of mechanical components separated by a distance. In applications where accurate coordination is required, a mechanism called a limit-switch valve (180) is activated at specific actuator positions. The limit-switch valves are able to detect fluid loss in the fluid linkage between the actuators and compensate for this fluid loss. A volume displacement servomechanism is created by connecting pressure actuators (360, 361) of a fluid control valve (120) to a control actuator (133). A basic position feedback servomechanism is created by connecting pressure actuators (362, 363) of a fluid control valve (150) to a control actuator (135) and a feedback actuator (145). The fluid control valve (150) controls the servomotor actuator (146) to which the feedback actuator (145) is attached. A position tactile feedback servomechanism allows an operator to perceive the load on the servomotor actuator (146) by its reflection on the control actuator (135).

Abstract: A talking locator device and system for locating an object. The talking locator device comprises recording means for recording at least one audible message, receiver means for receiving control signals wirelessly transmitted by a remotely located transmitter, and control means responsive to a first type of control signal for initiating playback of at least one of the audible messages and responsive to a second type of control signal for initiating recording of at least one of the audible messages. The audible message may be made in a user's voice. The talking locator device may be attached to an object and when the audible message is played in response to a control signal received from the transmitter, the user is provided with an indication of the location of the object.

Abstract: A roll-up grill having an integral and foldable frame. The roll-up grill comprises a flexible grill surface, such as a wire mesh grid. The integral frame comprises a first end frame member attached laterally to a first end of the flexible grill surface and a second end frame member attached laterally to a second end of the flexible grill surface such that the flexible grill surface, the first end frame member and the second end support member are oriented in a parallel plane. The first end frame member and the second end frame member each comprise an end support member having a proximal end and a distal end, a side support member pivotally connected to one of the proximal end or the distal end of the end support member, a proximal leg support member being pivotally connected to the end support member at the proximal end and a distal leg support member being pivotally connected to the end support member at the distal end.

Abstract: A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing through the column. The column comprises a housing and at least one solid stationary phase within the housing. The stationary phase has chromatographic functionality and is effective for chromatographic separation. Means are provided for distributing the sample through the stationary phase and for collecting the sample after the sample has flowed through the stationary phase. The stationary phase comprises:(a) a plurality of layers of swellable fibrous matrix in sheet form having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation; and(b) a spacer means between each layer for permitting controlled swelling thereof and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase.

Abstract: A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing through the column. The column comprises a housing and at least one solid stationary phase within the housing. The stationary phase has chromatographic functionality and is effective for chromatographic separation. Means are provided for distributing the sample through the stationary phase and for collecting the sample after the sample has flowed through the stationary phase. The stationary phase comprises:(a) a plurality of layers of swellable fibrous matrix in sheet form having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation; and(b) a spacer means between each layer for permitting controlled swelling thereof and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase.

Abstract: A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing through the column. The column comprises a housing and at least one solid stationary phase within the housing. The stationary phase has chromatographic functionality and is effective for chromatographic separation. Means are provided for distributing the sample through the stationary phase and for collecting the sample after the sample has flowed through the stationary phase. The stationary phase comprises:(a) a plurality of layers of swellable fibrous matrix in sheet form having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation; and(b) a spacer means between each layer for permitting controlled swelling thereof and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase.

Abstract: A deformable liquid filter with means for purging air and gases having a housing with spaced flexible walls and a hydrophilic membrane defining a collapsible inlet chamber with air and gas vent means on one side of the membrane and an outlet chamber on the opposite side of the membrane with membrane support means which prevents the outlet chamber from collapsing.