Abstract: Systems and methods to dynamically distribute therapeutic support surfaces are provided. The method includes receiving a request to provide a patient with a therapeutic support surface. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of medical records of the patient. The method further includes determining a designated location, at which, the patient is expected to occupy the therapeutic support surface, and a period of time, during which, the patient is expected to occupy the therapeutic support surface. The method further includes determining, based on the plurality of medical records, the designated location, and the period of time, an available therapeutic support surface for the patient. The method further includes requesting the available therapeutic support surface to be dispatched to the designated location within a second period of time prior to an estimated arrival of the patient to the designated location.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Optionally, captured images may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images.

Abstract: An optical index switch including curved ridge waveguides. The cladding around the waveguides is selectively etched to produce tightly curved optical switches.

Abstract: An X-geometry optical switch includes primary and secondary input branch waveguides merging at a junction, and first and second output branch waveguides optically coupled to the input branches at the junction. In a dual electrode configuration, one electrode is positioned on the primary input branch waveguide and the other electrode on one of the input branch waveguides. By applying a common or opposite polarity bias to the electrodes, changes in the waveguide refractive optical indices are produced so that light propagating through the primary input is directed to one of the output branch waveguides in accordance with adiabatic modal evolution. In another X-geometry optical switch, the electrode on the output branch is eliminated by fabricating the output branch waveguides to exhibit a natural index asymmetry. Accordingly, since there is a normal ON-OFF path designation without biasing, only the single electrode on the primary input branch waveguide is necessary to effect switching.

Abstract: A Y-junction optical switch includes an input branch and two output branches optically coupled to the input branch at a junction. A single one of the output branches has an electrode. The two output branches are designed to have dissimilar optical refractive indices under a non-biasing condition.

Abstract: Two carriages are roller mounted to allow relative motion between them while maintaining precise relative positioning. Rollers engage precision ground spaced surfaces of a C-shaped hangar configuration, and wear compensation is provided by a spring bias arrangement maintaining conformity between the rollers and guide grooves in the underside of the rails.

Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope having apparatus for compensating a gyroscope output signal for optical power variations in accordannce with variations of a dihedral frequency. A scaler quantity is determined based on operational data and it is used to compensate the gyroscope output signal. Alternatively, a gyroscope output signal is compensated via a feedback network by adjusting the gain medium in the laser gyroscope in accordance with variations in the dihedral frequency.