1090results about How to "Limited range" patented technology

The present invention is directed toward a fiber optic position and shape sensing device and the method of use. The device comprises an optical fiber means. The optical fiber means comprises either at least two single core optical fibers or a multicore optical fiber having at least two fiber cores. In either case, the fiber cores are spaced apart such that mode coupling between the fiber cores is minimized. An array of fiber Bragg gratings are disposed within each fiber core. A broadband reference reflector is positioned in an operable relationship to each fiber Bragg grating wherein an optical path length is established for each reflector / grating relationship. A frequency domain reflectometer is positioned in an operable relationship to the optical fiber means. In use, the device is affixed to an object. Strain on the optical fiber is measured and the strain measurements correlated to local bend measurements. Local bend measurements are integrated to determine position or shape of the object.

An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.

A markerless method is described for tracking the motion of subjects in a three dimensional environment using a model based on linked kinematic chains. The invention is suitable for tracking robotic, animal or human subjects in real-time using a single computer with inexpensive video equipment, and does not require the use of markers or specialized clothing. A simple model of rigid linked segments is constructed of the subject and tracked using three dimensional volumetric data collected by a multiple camera video imaging system. A physics based method is then used to compute forces to align the model with subsequent volumetric data sets in real-time. The method is able to handle occlusion of segments and accommodates joint limits, velocity constraints, and collision constraints and provides for error recovery. The method further provides for elimination of singularities in Jacobian based calculations, which has been problematic in alternative methods.

A data processing apparatus a data processing method efficiently ascertain that data are valid, prevent encryption processing key data from leaking, eliminate illegal use of contents data, restrict contents utilization, apply a different plurality of data formats to contents and efficiently execute reproduction processing of compressed data. The verification process of partial data is executed by collating the integrity partial data as check values for a combination of partial data of a content, and the verification process of the entirety of the combination of partial data is executed by collating partial-integrity-check-value-verifying integrity check values that verify the combination of the partial integrity check values. Master keys to generate individual keys necessary for a process of such as data encryption are stored in the storage section and keys are generated as required. An illegal device list is stored in the header information of a content and referred to when data is used. Keys specific to a data processing apparatus and common keys are stored and the keys are selectively used according to the content use restriction. Plural content blocks are coupled, and at least a part of the content blocks is applied to an encryption process by an encryption key Kcon, then encryption key data that is the encryption key Kcon encrypted by an encryption key Kdis is stored in the header section. A content data is made of compression data and an expansion processing program or a combination of types of compression programs and the reproducing apparatus can determine an expansion program applicable to a compressed content.

An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second screws adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated ligament with a first end connected to the first screw and the second end operatively connected with the second screw. The ligament is made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have ductile inelastic properties at body temperature and is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the second pedicle screw includes a bearing for receiving the ligament in a slideably engageable relationship. The device further includes optional first and second dampening members surrounding the ligament for restraining the spinal column during flexion and extension. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second anchors adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated bridge with first and second ends operatively connected to the first and second anchors, respectively. The bridge contains an implantable ligament made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have inelastic properties at body temperature, wherein the bridge is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the device further includes a dampening member surrounding the ligament, which may be a wire, tube or band. In another preferred embodiment the device includes rigid rod members each correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with anchors. The rigid rod members are correspondingly connected to either end of the ligament. In yet another preferred embodiment, the device includes plate segments correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with a plurality of anchors. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

An unmanned aerial vehicle and associated methods for inspecting infrastructure assets includes a multirotor, electrically driven helicopter apparatus and power supply; a flight computer; positioning and collision avoidance equipment; and at least one sensor such as a camera. The flight computer is programmed for automated travel to and inspection of selected waypoints, at which condition data is collected for further analysis. The method also includes protocols for segmenting the flight path to accomplish sequential inspection of a linear asset such as a power line using limited-range equipment.

A wireless communications system and method adapted for use in automotive applications for enabling automatic, high-speed, wireless voice and / or data communications link to be established between a wide variety of external devices and various electronic subsystems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes first and second RF transceivers which are operated in accordance with a communications specification to enable a seamless, automatic communications link to be created when the two RF transceivers come within a pre-determined proximity of one another, for example, within up to 100 meters of one another. Information from one device is then automatically transmitted over the wireless communications link to the other device. In various implementations the apparatus is used to obtain information from a home PC, a work PC, a notebook PC and various other electronic devices, as well as information from the Internet, which is displayed and / or played back for the user by various subsystems of the vehicle while traveling in the vehicle. Other applications involving retail and manufacturing applications are disclosed by which the apparatus is used to facilitate and / or expedite manufacturing processes or retail transactions via one or more high-speed, secure, wireless communications links which are created automatically and seamlessly between the RF transceivers of the apparatus of the invention.

The present invention relates to an electronic circuit and an array of such circuits for precisely measuring small amounts or small changes in the amount of charge, voltage, or electrical currents. One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic circuit for measuring current or charge that can be used with a variety of sensing media (including high impedance sensing media) that produce a signal by either charge or current production or induction in response to physical phenomena occurring within the sensing media. In another embodiment, the voltage level (bias) of either the sensing or reference electrode can be switched relative to the other upon receipt of a triggering pulse. This changes the polarity of the electric field to cause charge of the opposite polarity to be driven to the sensing electrode, thereby eliminating the need to electrically connect a discharge path to the sensing electrode to clear the charge accumulated at the sensing electrode. This can be supplemented by capacitively coupling a compensation signal to the sensing electrode to cause the amplifier output signal to lessen in magnitude below a threshold level that permits additional charge or current measurements of the same polarity before performing bias reversal. Alternately or in combination with bias reversal and capacitive compensation, sensor performance can be improved by minimizing inaccuracies caused by leakage currents or current drawn from the sensor. Other described methods of reducing leakage currents that can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned features include the use of guard rings, physical switches or relays, the controlled creation of charges or currents of a specific polarity in a specific region of the sensing medium, controlled leakage over the surface of an insulator, and controlling the environment in which the circuit operates.

A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more wireless access points and one or more personal badges that communicate wirelessly with the one or more wireless access points. The badges provide the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.

There is provided a flow system of a dialysis device including a dialysate conduit which is capable of being in fluid communication with the peritoneal cavity of a patient's body and of being in fluid communication with a flow path, the flow path allowing dialysate to flow from a patient's body to a sorbent capable of removing contaminants within the dialysate in an outflow mode and in an inflow mode returning the dialysate substantially free of contaminants to the patient's body. The device also includes a pump for moving the dialysate along the flow path in both the outflow mode and inflow mode and a plurality of valves disposed along the flow path. There is also provided a portable dialysis device.

A radiographing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is characterized in that an image processing device comprises an acquisition device which acquires projection data of a first energy spectrum and projection data of a second energy spectrum, and a synthetic image generating device which synthesizes a first image on the basis of the projection data of the first energy spectrum, and a second image on the basis of the projection data of the second energy spectrum according to a predetermined synthetic condition, and generating a synthetic image, and a display device displays the generated synthetic image.

A fracture fixation system in which a plate is secured to stable bone and posts are inserted at varying angles into an unstable bone fragment by engaging in rotatable bearings which are fixedly secured in the plate when the posts are fully engaged in the bone fragment. The bearings are formed as truncated spherical members having a number of longitudinal slots extending partway along the length of the bearing to form petals which are expanded outwardly when the posts are advanced in the bearing to produce non-uniform distribution of forces between the bearing and the plate which generate force couples to resist angulation of the posts and loss of fracture fixation. Various other ways of producing non-uniform force distribution are described.

A monitoring system is provided with a two tier communication network. Multiple first tier nodes comprising wireless or RF sensors are each equipped with transceivers operating at a first, low power level. Multiple second tier nodes are spaced to communicate with selected sensors at the lower bandwidth level, and also communicate with each other at a higher power level and higher bandwidth, to route sensor communications to a central controller. The sensors comprise standard home and small business sensors such as motion detectors, glass breakage, pressure, temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide sensors to name a few, each equipped with a transceiver. The sensors are placed throughout a structure to be protected or monitored. Since such structures can be quite large, several second tier routers are provided such that at least one is within range of each sensor to receive its low power signals. A routing table is dynamically generated to direct communications between routers and the controller

A variable valve timing apparatus rotatably receives a rotor in a housing. The rotor can rotate within a predetermined angular range. In some cases, the rotor is locked by a lock pin at an intermediate position within the angular range. In this manner, it is possible to realize a suitable valve timing even when an engine is restarted after it is stopped. In some case, the rotor is prevented from moving to the largest delay angle position by a restricting pin. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the rotor from reaching the largest delay angle position before the engine is stopped. On the other hand, while the engine is operated, it is possible to rotate the rotor to the largest delay angle position and to realize a valve timing responsive to the state of operation.

The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Well logging apparatus and methods for determining formation resistivity at multiple (>3) depths of investigation. At least one transmitter antenna and at least two receiver antennas are mounted in a logging tool housing, on substantially a common axis. The antennas are untuned coils of wire. Electromagnetic energy is emitted at multiple frequencies from the transmitter into the formation. The receiver antennas, which are spaced apart from each other and from the transmitter, detect reflected electromagnetic energy. Formation resistivity at multiple depths of investigation is determined using only phase differences in the reflected energy at the different frequencies, minimizing false indications of invasion due to mismatch of vertical response with attenuation measurements and also permitting correcting for the effects of varying dielectric constant of the formation. The apparatus minimizes the number of antennas, electronics complexity, required power, and measurement time required to determine resistivity at multiple depths of investigation.

Disclosed is a light guiding valve apparatus comprising an optical valve, a two dimensional light source array and a focusing optic for providing large area collimated illumination from localized light sources. A stepped waveguide may be a stepped structure, in which the steps may be extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. A two dimensional array of viewing windows may be produced. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays with wide viewing freedom and low cross talk and near-eye displays that are substantially transparent.

Electric aircraft, including in-flight rechargeable electric aircraft, and methods of operating electric aircraft, including methods for recharging electric aircraft in-flight, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) packs flying independent of and in proximity to the electric aircraft.

Disclosed is an electronic atomization device with an adjustable air inlet, which includes a cigarette holder, an atomizer connected to the cigarette holder and a battery assembly for supplying power to the atomizer. An air inlet is disposed at an upper portion of the atomizer for connecting the atomizer to outside world and a switch assembly is disposed between the atomizer and the cigarette holder for opening or closing the air inlet. As disclosed in the present invention, the air inlet can be closed completely by means of the switch assembly thereby preventing the condensate and liquid flavor from flowing to the outside world, avoiding the outsider surface of the electronic atomization device getting dirty and reducing the possibility of the damage of the battery assembly.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and / or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.

An image display apparatus has an image display device for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system, including a holographic magnifying optical element, for magnifying and projecting the image, and a holographic filter, disposed either as part of the image display device or in the optical path between the image display device and the eyepiece optical system, for restricting the wavelength range of the image light.

Provided is a transmission power control method for an uplink control channel of a terminal in a multi-carrier system where a plurality of downlink component carriers and at least one uplink component carrier are set in the terminal. The method includes: receiving a plurality of downlink grants from a base station; checking a Transmission Power Command (TPC) field included in each of the plurality of downlink grants; determining a transmission power of an uplink control channel (PUCCH) with a value of the checked TPC field; and transmitting the uplink control channel at the determined transmission power, with one configured uplink component carrier among the at least one uplink component carrier.

A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more wireless access points and one or more personal badges that communicate wirelessly with the one or more wireless access points. The badges provide the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.