181results about How to "Cost effectiveness" patented technology

The present invention provides a system and method relating to the operation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles powered both by electricity from rechargeable batteries and by consumable fuel powered means, such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. More particularly, the system and method of the claimed invention enable optimization of the energy cost associated with the operation of such plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, especially when the cost of recharging batteries from external electric power sources may be less than the cost of recharging batteries from the onboard consumable fuel powered means. To this end, the invention enables maximization of the use of electricity from external electric power sources and minimization of the use of electricity produced by the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle's onboard consumable fuel powered means, when the cost of recharging batteries from external electric power sources is less than the cost of recharging batteries from the onboard consumable fuel powered means.

A device closes a patent foramen ovale (PFO), thus reducing or eliminating blood flow through the defect. The device is formed from a tubular structure having split ends, such that, after insertion, struts defined by the split ends pivot in a radial direction away from the tube, thereby securing the device within the septal defect.

The present invention is related to a means for detecting external threats by the use of methods and apparatuses for the wide area detection of chemical, radiological or biological threats using modified personal wireless devices combined with new advanced micro and nanosensor technologies. A cost effective method is provided for wide area surveillance of a potential terrorist or personal threat. Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or watches, in combination with new microsensor technologies described herein, can be used as a new type of platform detection technology for wide area surveillance of major threats. A “Homeland Security” chip is further provided which combines the elements of geo-location, remote wireless communication and sensing into a single chip. The personal electronic devices can be further equipped for detecting various medically related threats. Similarly modified personal devices can be used to detect external threats that are person-specific.

A content delivery system includes a remote data center in wireless communication with a vehicle telematics system. The remote data center includes a content server, an automated voice recognition system, and a database. The remote data center utilizes combinations of GPS information, voice automation technology, and preconfigured vehicle operator preferences to deliver content to vehicles over a wireless link. The content delivery system includes a web portal at which vehicle operators configure personal profiles, including information regarding personal preferences and/or information pertaining to application access. The web portal feeds the profile information to the remote data center over a remote Internet connection. The remote data center stores the preconfigured vehicle operator profiles in the database, which is later accessed in response to vehicle operator commands recognized by the voice recognition system.

The present invention is directed to a process for producing micropulp. The process includes contacting organic fibers with a medium comprising a liquid component and a solid component, agitating the medium and the organic fibers to transform the organic fibers into the micropulp dispersed in the medium. If desired, the slurry of the micropulp in the liquid component can be used or the micropulp can be separated from the medium. The micropulp can be readily incorporated into coating compositions such as those used in automotive OEM or refinish applications. The micropulp can also be incorporated into powder coating applications or as a thixotrope or reinforcement in polymer formulations.

A protective cover assembly used to cover and protect windows, doors or other wall openings for homes, office buildings, hotels, and other walled structures from the destructive forces of a high windstorm, such as a hurricane. The current form of the preferred embodiment consists of a high strength fabric covering an opening, such as a window and being supported by brackets, a rod and a bar. Once installed, the high strength fabric is stretched over the opening, through the use of a gears and ratchet assembly. The high strength fabric once stretched will provide protection from high winds and wind borne debris common in storms such as hurricanes. The protective cover assembly also prevents unlawful entries or break-ins of buildings. The high strength fabric is securely supported to the rod and steel bar that are firmly attached to the wall structure near the wall opening.

Systems and methods for capturing and digitizing an image of a wound and/or a wound trace from a patient and determining there from a degree of change in the characteristics of the wound. A first embodiment includes a transparent/translucent film onto which a dark outline of the wound is traced. The film is fixed to a reference template that provides a geometrically defined reference area. The film/template assembly is imaged with a digital imaging device associated with a handheld digital processor (such as a PDA). The digital image of the template and the wound trace are analyzed to identify the wound tracing and quantify the area within the closed curve. A second embodiment includes imaging the wound site with a reference tag and viewing the image on a display with an associated graphical data input device. A trace of the wound perimeter is made on display with the graphical data input device to establish a data set for the wound perimeter. The data set for the wound trace and the reference tag are analyzed to identify and quantify the wound area. In each embodiment, the system includes a display for providing both a view of the wound trace and the calculated data associated with the wound area.

A solution comprising cost-effective methods and techniques for converting a traditional vending machine into a vending machine with a graphical user interface, multimedia advertising and info kiosk capabilities. A key aspect of this invention is the integration of a consumer DVD player in a vending machine, in which the graphical user interface is implemented as DVD Menu structures stored on a DVD disc that also contains the video clips. Another aspect of this invention, is the changed logic of a traditional vending machine to delay item dispense until a video clip has been played. The present invention provides interfacing methods between a DVD player, a Vending Machine Controller and an optional microcontroller. These methods can be used to implement a communication protocol between a DVD player and a microcontroller. The methods and techniques of the invention can be integrated in an MDB peripheral device of a vending machine.

A semiconductor device having plural active and passive elements on one semiconductor substrate is manufactured in the following cost effective manner even when the active and passive elements include double sided electrode elements. When the semiconductor substrate is divided into plural field areas, an insulation separation trench that penetrates the semiconductor substrate surrounds each of the field areas, and each of the either of the plural active elements or the plural passive elements. Further, each of the plural elements has a pair of power electrodes for power supply respectively disposed on each of both sides of the semiconductor substrate to serve as the double sided electrode elements.

A power module includes a first heat sink, first and second power chips, a thermo-conductive insulating layer, a lead frame and a molding compound. The first heat sink has a first area and a second area. The first power chip is disposed in the first area. The thermo-conductive insulating layer is disposed in the second area. The second power chip is disposed on the heat sink through the thermo-conductive insulating layer. The lead frame is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second power chips. The molding compound covers the first and second power chips, the thermo-conductive insulating layer and a portion of the lead frame. The first heat sink is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second power chips. Because the first power chip is not disposed on the first heat sink through the thermo-conductive insulating layer, the cost can be reduced.

Embodiments of a linear vibrator are provided that are capable of reducing the manufacturing cost, increasing the product reliability and increasing the vibrating quantity. An embodiment of a linear vibrator can include a case formed of an upper case portion and a lower case portion coupled to each other to provide a predetermined inner space; a substrate disposed on an upper surface of the lower case portion; a first coil and a second coil installed at both end parts inside of the case and connected to the substrate; a spring having one side fixed on at least one of the inside faces of the case; and a magnet fixed at another side of the spring and located between the first and second coils inside of the case, where the magnet can vertically vibrate through an interaction with the first and second coils.

The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

A system and method for testing wireless transceivers in a virtual wireless environment including emulating an RF environment, creating virtual spectrum users having selectable transmission parameters and physical characteristics and evaluating the operation of the wireless transceiver in the virtual wireless environment.

There is disclosed some techniques for selecting a user authentication challenge. In one example, the method comprises the steps of receiving an authentication request to authenticate a user and selecting a user authentication challenge to issue to the user in response to receiving the authentication request. The selection of the user authentication challenge comprises selecting a user authentication challenge among a plurality of user authentication challenges based on the cost effectiveness of the respective user authentication challenges and characteristics of the authentication request.

An adjoining device for securing paired items of clothing, such as socks, or gloves comprises a releasable fastening tab strip embedded with velcro hook and loop fastening elements and a tab strip embedded with velcro hooks wherein first tab appended horizontally on one sock of a pair and the second tab appended vertically with a belt loop form on the other sock of same pair allows loop section of first tab to engage after being inserted through the opening of belt loop of second tab strip with hooks, and then, closed to interconnect with hooks of first tab strip appended horizontally providing a secure releasable attachment that resist forces that separate paired articles clothing during the laundry process.

A nasal interface device delivers a high flow rate of a gas having a pressure that is adjustable to a patient. The device includes a nasal insert that is adapted to deliver pressurized gas to a nasal cavity of the patient, and receive and direct expired air. The nasal insert has a pressurized breathing gas delivery port and an expired gas port. An expiratory limb pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the expired gas port.

A shoe includes a first shell portion, and a second shell portion complementing the first shell portion to form an upper. The second shell portion is more flexible than the first shell portion and is mechanically connected to the first shell portion. The first shell portion includes a surrounding wall of substantially U-shaped cross-section which is adapted to extend around the wearer's heel. The surrounding wall includes two opposite side wall sections that have frontmost ends posterior to the ball of the foot and anterior to the plantar arch of the foot.