Abstract: An apparatus has a lens assembly which has: a front region with an entrance window of the lens assembly; a window structure at the entrance window; a back region; a lens between the window structure and the back region; and a heater coupled to heat the window structure. The lens assembly includes a reflective surface. The front region is on a first side of the reflective surface. The back region is on a second side of the reflective surface. The reflective surface reflects thermal radiation generated by the heater. The reflected radiation is reflected towards the first side. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s).

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating wide field of view (FOV) imaging systems and methods are provided. In one example, an imaging device includes a lens barrel. The lens barrel includes a first body portion including a first lens element at least partially disposed therein, a second body portion including a second lens element and a third lens element at least partially disposed therein, and a snap-fit mechanism. The first, second, and third lens elements include a lens system configured to pass electromagnetic radiation from a scene to an image capture component. The snap-fit mechanism includes a plurality of finger members extended from the first body portion and a plurality of complementary notches in the second body portion. The finger members are configured to engage with the notches to releasably secure the first body portion to the second body portion. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Imager optical systems and methods are provided. In one example, an imaging device includes a window configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation associated with a scene. The imaging device further includes a lens system. The lens system includes a first lens element configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the window and transmit the electromagnetic radiation. An aperture stop is positioned between the window and a surface of the first lens element adjacent to the window. The lens system further includes a second lens element adjacent to the first lens element and configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation to the detector array. The imaging device further includes a detector array including detectors. Each detector is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the lens system and generate a thermal image based on the electromagnetic radiation. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for annealing a chalcogenide lens at an elevated temperature to accelerate release of internal stress within the chalcogenide lens caused during a molding process that formed the chalcogenide lens. In particular, the annealing process includes gradually heating the chalcogenide lens to a dwell temperature, maintaining the chalcogenide lens at the dwell temperature for a predetermined period of time, and gradually cooling the chalcogenide lens from the dwell temperature. The annealing process stabilizes the shape, the effective focal length, and/or the modulation transfer function of the chalcogenide lens. Associated optical assemblies and infrared imaging devices are also described.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for annealing a chalcogenide lens at an elevated temperature to accelerate release of internal stress within the chalcogenide lens caused during a molding process that formed the chalcogenide lens. In particular, the annealing process includes gradually heating the chalcogenide lens to a dwell temperature, maintaining the chalcogenide lens at the dwell temperature for a predetermined period of time, and gradually cooling the chalcogenide lens from the dwell temperature. The annealing process stabilizes the shape, the effective focal length, and/or the modulation transfer function of the chalcogenide lens. Associated optical assemblies and infrared imaging devices are also described.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for annealing a chalcogenide lens at an elevated temperature to accelerate release of internal stress within the chalcogenide lens caused during a molding process that formed the chalcogenide lens. In particular, the annealing process includes gradually heating the chalcogenide lens to a dwell temperature, maintaining the chalcogenide lens at the dwell temperature for a predetermined period of time, and gradually cooling the chalcogenide lens from the dwell temperature. The annealing process stabilizes the shape, the effective focal length, and/or the modulation transfer function of the chalcogenide lens. Associated optical assemblies and infrared imaging devices are also described.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a premixing type main burner and an associated pilot burner for igniting it. A specially designed protective system is operative to detect a flame flashback burning condition in the main burner and responsively shut down the water heater. In one embodiment thereof, the protective system uses main burner body heat to melt a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the pilot burner during a flame flashback condition in the main burner. Such melting responsively causes an associated fuel supply valve to close and terminate water heater operation. In a second protective system embodiment a normally closed pressure switch is opened, thereby shutting down the water heater, when the switch detects a pressure indicative of a flame flashback condition in the main burner.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a premixing type main burner and an associated pilot burner for igniting it. A specially designed protective system is operative to detect a flame flashback burning condition in the main burner and responsively shut down the water heater. In one embodiment thereof, the protective system uses main burner body heat to melt a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the pilot burner during a flame flashback condition in the main burner. Such melting responsively causes an associated fuel supply valve to close and terminate water heater operation. In a second protective system embodiment a normally closed pressure switch is opened, thereby shutting down the water heater, when the switch detects a pressure indicative of a flame flashback condition in the main burner.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a premixing type main burner and an associated pilot burner for igniting it. A specially designed protective system is operative to detect a flame flashback burning condition in the main burner and responsively shut down the water heater. In one embodiment thereof, the protective system uses main burner body heat to melt a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the pilot burner during a flame flashback condition in the main burner. Such melting responsively causes an associated fuel supply valve to close and terminate water heater operation. In a second protective system embodiment a normally closed pressure switch is opened, thereby shutting down the water heater, when the switch detects a pressure indicative of a flame flashback condition in the main burner.

Abstract: A simulator dome for a motion base simulator comprises one or more fiber reinforced outer layers, inner layers of a similar material and an intermediate core. The intermediate core is preferably a structural foam of variable density to allow selectively lowering the dome center of gravity to enhance the simulation capabilities of the motion system to simulate various flight maneuvers. By producing the dome from fiber reinforced polymer and using a core of variable density, a dome of unitary construction with no through fasteners is produced, having high strength for withstanding high G maneuvers without cracking or distortion, enhancing simulator effectiveness and increasing the accuracy of the simulated flight conditions.

Abstract: A simulator dome for a motion base simulator comprises one or more fiber reinforced outer layers, inner layers of a similar material and an intermediate core. The intermediate core is preferably a structural foam of variable density to allow selectively lowering the dome center of gravity to enhance the simulation capabilities of the motion system to simulate various flight maneuvers. By producing the dome from fiber reinforced polymer and using a core of variable density, a dome of unitary construction with no through fasteners is produced, having high strength for withstanding high G maneuvers without cracking or distortion, enhancing simulator effectiveness and increasing the accuracy of the simulated flight conditions.

Abstract: Intense illumination is cast omnidirectionally by a single light source that directs a ligth beam onto a pair of mirrors rotating hundreds of revolutions per second. The mirrors are mounted in an "X" configuration and are thus vibration-free. The light beam is split in half and directed in opposite directions by the mirrors to enable the mirrors to rotate at half the speed of single mirror devices. The light source may be offset from the axis of rotation of the mirrors to shroud preselected areas from illumination.

Abstract: A panel having a finish face, a substrate and a lamina of moulded polyurethane between the two is formed in a single closable die having two portions, the first stage of the operation being to spray a release agent onto a face forming surface of one die portion, then spray an aliphatic polyurethane colored film onto the release agent, spray an elastomer polyurethane over that film and allow the elastomer to at least partially set, lay a sheet of reinforcing fibre which can for example be a continuous filament glass over the at least partially set elastomer, dispense the liquid ingredients of a rigid foam polyurethane over the glass, close to the mould, and remove the product after setting.