Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a cone air filter for a closed intake system of an internal combustion engine. The cone air filter is comprised of a cone-shaped filter medium, retained between a base and a cap, that is fabricated to remove contaminants and particulate matter from an intake airstream. The base is comprised of a flange that couples with an air intake duct of the internal combustion engine. A shell receiver is incorporated into the base and receives a rigid exterior shell, such that the exterior shell surrounds the cone air filter and directs the intake airstream therein. A cap is disposed on an apex portion of the cone air filter and is configured to direct the intake airstream around the apex portion and into the cone-shaped filter medium.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology provide solutions for improving satellite calibration reflectors and in particular, for improving performance of corner reflectors used for calibrating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for constructing a satellite ground reflector comprising coupling a braced foundation to a trihedral reflector, wherein the trihedral reflector comprises a plurality of vertices and coupling two or more survey pins to two or more of the vertices, wherein each of the two or more survey pins are configured to facilitate one or more measurements of the satellite ground reflector. A process of the disclosed technology can also include steps for precise measuring and precise timing by placing GNSS instrumentation at or near the vertices of the satellite ground reflector.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a syringe for use with a handheld positive displacement pipette. The syringe includes a piston having a piston tip that is significantly truncated in comparison to the tips of known positive displacement pipette syringes, and also shorter in length than the dispensing tip of the syringe. The design of the piston tip and its interaction with the syringe dispensing tip results in a substantial reduction in the fluid drag associated with dispensing liquid from a typical positive displacement pipette syringe.

Abstract: Components and sensors for robotic manipulators are described that enable grasping and manipulation of objects with a high degree of resolution.

Abstract: Assemblies and techniques are described herein for use with a data glove. The data glove includes sensors configured to translate movement and forces associated with a human hand to the digital domain.

Abstract: Assemblies and techniques are described herein for use with a data glove. The data glove includes sensors configured to translate movement and forces associated with a human hand to the digital domain.

Abstract: Vehicle seat sensor systems for use with occupant classification systems (OCS) are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a videophone system implemented over a cable television network. The instant invention provides a videophone comprising a camera for capturing images associated with a videophone signal, a videophone unit and a set top terminal or cable modem connecting the videophone to a cable television network. Videophone signals created at the call origination site are encoded and transported to a predetermined destination over an existing cable television network. The system uses IP addresses as phone number on the network. Additionally, transport of videophone signals between different cable systems is accomplished via a high-speed long distance data network, such as, for example, a satellite network, that provides communication between the headends of the different cable television systems. The set top terminal may be a conventional subscriber terminal, a cable modem or a subscriber terminal configured to operate as a cable modem.

Abstract: Channel changes between services with differing bandwidth in a switched digital video system. A services map published by the headend and distributed to all of the edge devices, allows a bandwidth requirement to be correlated with each request from a device in the home. The bandwidth requirement is passed upstream along with the request for service and is subject to a system resource management validation.

Abstract: Bandwidth management in each network device in a switched digital video environment. Each device in a user's home and the switched digital video (SDV) device can evaluate the bandwidth requirements of a request from any device in the home and compare it to the bandwidth available at the user's home. This is done as the request is passed upstream from device to device. If there is insufficient bandwidth available, an error message is returned to the requesting device.

Abstract: Quality of service management in a switched digital video environment. The devices in a user's home can be given quality of service priority statuses by a system operator. In the event of oversubscription, the quality of service management allows the user to determine which services will have priority over others if more bandwidth is requested than available.

Abstract: Atomic channel change in a switched digital video (SDV) system. A set-top box (STB) sends join and leave message commands to a SDV device when requesting a channel change. If one of the IGMP message commands does not reach the SDV device, oversubscription can occur. A combined join and leave message ensures that a join command is performed only when a leave command is also performed. If the single message does not reach the SDV device, the STB resends the command.

Abstract: DVD playback over Multi-room by copying to the hard drive of a primary device in a networked multi-room system (NMS). The DVD content is saved to a hard drive and can then be retrieved by any of the remote devices in the NMS by accessing the program guide or the recorded programs list. The DVD menu can be altered to include previews, contests, products, etc.

Abstract: DVD multi-room playback after headend conversation. The DVD content is saved to a hard drive of a primary device in a networked multi-room system. While the content is being saved to the hard drive, the headend is contacted to secure permissions, pay royalties, etc. for the copyrighted material. The movie saved on the primary device can then be retrieved by any of the remote devices by accessing the program guide or the recorded programs list.

Abstract: Optimizing data rates for video services on a broadband network. Different data rates can be delivered to a subscriber premises depending on the size of the display screen connected to a set-top box, the type of content being requested, or whether there is real-time viewing. Therefore, the data rate can be optimized to maximize the number of video streams that can be delivered to any one subscriber without causing a perceived reduction in video picture quality.

Abstract: A luer cleaner (100) including a generally hollow body (112) having an open first end (104), a closed second end (106), and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (104) is sized to receive therein a luer connector (190) proximal end and includes a plurality of bristles (134) extending generally toward the longitudinal axis sufficiently to engage the outer surfaces of the luer proximal end disposed therein. The second end comprises a compressible reservoir (166) containing a fluid (168), wherein, when the second end is compressed, the fluid is transmitted from the reservoir toward the first end through passageways to wet the luer proximal end. A method for cleaning luer connectors is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one point of deployment module. The point of deployment module communicates with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the point of deployment module and connected television utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting ingress on shared media is presented. In one embodiment, among others, an input signal is selectively attenuated at each source site using a pseudo-random pattern, thereby amplitude modulating at low level the signal in a pseudo-random manner. Each encoded signal from each of the source sites is combined on shared media connected to a headend. The headend receives a composite signal comprising all of the individual source site signals and extracts the source site information using the pseudo-random pattern, thereby determining which of the source sites is the source of ingress.

Abstract: A system that employs a chosen one of a plurality of presentation selections to present information from a field device. The system has a field device interface that configures the field device in accordance with the chosen presentation selection. A control configurator programs the field device interface in accordance with the chosen presentation selection.