241results about How to "Simple and reliable" patented technology

The present invention dispenses hot coffee or other beverage by the cup at a selected temperature, which can be varied from cup-to-cup. The beverage is brewed in a conventional way, and in one embodiment is stored in a conventional holding tank at elevated temperature. The holding tank communicates with two smaller reservoirs. A quantity of beverage is stored in a first reservoir at an elevated temperature, at or above the maximum desired dispensing temperature. A second quantity of beverage is cooled and stored in a second reservoir at a lower temperature, at or below the minimum desired dispensing temperature. When a cup of beverage is to be dispensed, the temperature is selected, and a quantity of beverage is dispensed from each of the reservoirs, proportioned so that the resulting dispensed beverage is at the selected temperature. In another embodiment, the first reservoir is omitted, and beverage from the holding tank provides the elevated temperature beverage for mixing. In several other embodiments, no cooling mechanism is needed. Instead, the holding tank is at a cooler temperature than the lowest vend temperature, and the beverage must be heated to the hot reservoir temperature and, in one embodiment, the cold reservoir temperature. In another embodiment, the holding tank functions as a cold reservoir. In still another embodiment requiring no heaters, the holding tank is eliminated, and the beverage is held in insulated chambers at the higher and lower temperatures.

An alarm system for photovoltaic modules is provided that includes an alarm installation electrically connected to at least one photovoltaic module. The alarm installation is connected via a power connection line to the at least one photovoltaic module and the alarm installation has a device to read out a pulse response of the at least one photovoltaic module.

A capacitive touch panel is provided capable of detecting multiple simultaneous touches. The touch panel delivers sets of capacitance signal values to a processor which computes the coordinates of single or multiple touch locations on the touch panel. The processing of each set is performed by (i) identifying the sensing element having the largest capacitance signal value; (ii) defining a region around that sensing element; and (iii) repeating the process iteratively, wherein each subsequent identifying step excludes signals that lie in previously defined regions. A multi-touch sensor is thus provided in which the signal processing is based on successive definition of regions or sub-blocks in the touch: panel. The touch location in each region can be determined more accurately by then applying interpolation between the adjacent signal values. This allows for position resolution at a finer scale than that defined by the touch panel's electrode patterning.

2 The invention generally relates to food quality indicators and, more particularly, to improved adhesive food quality indicators and their use and manufacture. The food quality indicators (FQI) of the invention are advantageously simple and low cost but sensitive devices for detecting unhealthy levels of food spoilage products in a sealed food product package. The FQI is affixed to a breathable or gas-permeable wrap around the product, and a visual indicator region in the FQI that is sensitive to the presence of food breakdown products allows the end user, by visual observation to determine whether microbial spoilage has occurred.

A peer-to-peer coordination system of distributed programs, services, and data is provided in a computer network where coordination servers run and serves local software systems. Some shared objects are communication objects to exchange messages and transactions. Only processes in reference to a communication object (administrated by replication strategies) are granted access via the local coordination server. The local software systems are capable of controlling transactions; creating, reading, and writing of communication objects; creating and supervising uniquely identified processes. Coordination servers have identical basic functionality for distributed object, transaction and process management, and taken together, form a global operating system. The network operates like a single global super computer and new processes and sites are dynamically added. The updateable objects has a non-resettable logical time stamp, is capable of storing data, and are coordinated by an optimistic concurrency control without utilizing explicit locks on the objects. The updateable object data is writeable on distributed peer nodes.

An improved arterial catheter device for capturing emboli within the aorta and other arteries is described. The system typically includes an elongated catheter member bearing a filtration apparatus disposed at its the distal region, comprising a filter membrane and a mechanism for deploying and collapsing the filter. For reliable deployment, the deployment mechanism comprises at least one pair of struts, one being a compression strut and the other a tension strut. In use, the catheter is positioned so that the filter membrane is down stream from the possible embolic source and upstream from any vital organs of concern. When deployed the filter membrane will capture emboli from the blood stream, and upon filter removal will extract the emboli from the patient.

An identifying and processing method to signaling data on No.7 signaling link functional layer and a device connected with the No.7 signaling data link includes type identification and error control unit realizing the error control to the signal unit and type identification the types of signal unit, service and information, a content control unit finishing analysis and process to assigned contents, a database storing signaling information altered contents and altered condition information, a data synchronizing unit realizing correction of signaling information changed content and condition and data synchronization with the operation center and the manage interface, an operation and maintenance unit realizing maintenance and test to said device.

The IEEE 802.11a standard uses OFDM, where the transmission is divided into several orthogonal sub-carriers. Here, an algorithm is used for the frame detection; a simplified differentiator obtains an absolute maximum in the differentiated signal at that point where the first plateau in JF(k) starts; a peak detector obtains the position of the absolute maximum in the differentiated signal, divides the problem into relative peak detection and falling edge detection; a simplified XNOR-based crosscorrelator is used, where the simplifications are based on the knowledge of the reference; a particular solution is provided for the CORDIC algorithm in the vectoring mode for arctangent calculation; hardware structuring is presented for the whole synchronizer so as to obtain a simple control mechanism and the separation of this structure into different clock domains, each one being activated only to perform its operation and deactivated afterwards.

A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

A one-way clutch includes a first race secured against rotation and fitted with a coil, a second race supported for rotation, a coil carried by one of the races, and struts supported by one of the races, each strut driveably connecting and disconnecting the races in response to a magnetic field induced by current in the coil.

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a vehicle self-positioning method, a vehicle self-positioning apparatus, equipment and a storage medium. The vehicle self-positioning method comprises: real-timely acquiring the image around a vehicle, and extracting a first road feature in the image; extracting a second road feature around the vehicle from an electronic map according to the base position information of the vehicle; and according to the first road feature and the second road feature, calculating the precise position information of the vehicle. According to the present invention, based on the electronic map with the stored road feature and the real-timely acquired road feature image, the precise position information of the vehicle is calculated, such that the high-precision vehicle self-positioning can be achieved, the precision requirement and the real-time property of the automatic driving system can be met, the self-positioning can be simply and reliably achieved, and the cost is low.

The present invention provides a reagent mixing device, which comprises a driving device, a transport device and a rotating part, wherein the transport device comprises a conveying mechanism for conveying a reagent kit and a mixing mechanism for mixing a reagent; the conveying mechanism is driven by the driving device to move relative to the mixing mechanism; the rotating part and mixing mechanism are in transmission matching; the conveying mechanism and the mixing mechanism are sleeved with each other to form a bearing structure. The present invention further provides a reagent mixing method. The reagent mixing device is small in size, smart in structure, easy to assemble and low in manufacturing cost. The reagent mixing method provided by the present invention is simple and reliable, high in overall operation reliability, and has very high application values in such analysis and test fields as full-automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers and biochemical analyzers.

In an installation for heating / air conditioning the cabin of a motor vehicle, comprising a powered fan unit (18) delivering a flow of air in an air distribution conduit (12) in which at least one evaporator (22) is disposed, an electrostatic filtration system (30) is provided, comprising an ionising part and a collecting part, placed upstream of a plasma catalysis system (40) comprising a plasma generating part.

The invention relates to a shape-preserving foldable wing suitable for the occasions with the requirements of changing the pneumatic area of aircraft wings and saving the parking space. The foldable wing is composed of an inner wing section, an outer wing section and a shape-preserving rotation body. According to the layout design, the pneumatic continuity of the shape of the wing is effectively maintained in the folding process, and enough supporting rigidity can be provided. Thus, the shape-preserving foldable wing can meet the folding requirement when aircrafts are parked on the ground and can be folded by a specific angle according to the flight control requirements in the flying process.

An unlock mechanism for a rotary door operator of a transit vehicle includes a pivotally disposed unlock member adapted for rotating a lock member into an unlock position and activating a valve for discharging the fluid pressure from the drive cylinder to enable manual opening of the door. A spring is provided for biasing the unlock member to a non-activated position. The unlock member may be activated either with a cable or a lever handle. A lock sensing switch provides a feedback on the lock condition to the transit vehicle control system. Additionally, a guiding bracket is provided for securing the cable in proximity of the unlock member.

Method for detecting a boundary crossing of an object, the movement of which is represented by a sequence of positions on a digital road map ith vectorized road segments and at least one boundary, the method comprising: determining an intersection of the boundary with a road segment and a reference direction in the orientation of this road segment, successively projecting vectors, each determined between one of the positions and the intersection point, onto the reference direction, in order to obtain a sequence of projections, and detecting a boundary crossing if a change of direction or sign occurs in the sequence of projections.

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for assessing a person's menopausal or post-hysterectomy symptoms by providing a first set and a second set of questions to the person, receiving answers to the first set and second set of questions and assessing the person's symptoms based on the received answers. The first set of questions includes four or more questions directed to one or more physical conditions. The second set of questions includes two or more questions directed to one or more medical conditions. The physical conditions may include a duration of the symptoms, a frequency of the symptoms, an episode duration of the symptoms, an intensity of the symptoms, a bothersomeness of the symptoms and an onset age of the symptoms. The medical conditions may include a hysterectomy, a hormone therapy, a non-hormonal therapy and a contraception type.

Evacuation systems including slide readiness indicators are detailed. The indicators may include lights colored, preferably, red and green and powered using either pre-existing or dedicated electricity sources. Associated switching equipment defaults to illumination of a red light until a slide is satisfactorily inflated and deployed, at which time the red light is extinguished and a green light is illuminated to provide affirmative indication that evacuation via the slide may commence.

A detachable sunglass unit for detachably attaching sunglasses to eyeglasses, includes two sunglass lenses, two sunglass frames for holding the sunglass lenses, a pivoting device provided between the sunglass frames, a sunglass connecting member extending from the pivoting device, and an eyeglass connecting member provided on the center of the eyeglasses and engaging with the sunglass connecting member. The connecting members use permanent magnets to keep the engaged state. The pivoting device includes an elastic connecting rod, and a pipe member that surrounds the connecting rod. The connecting rod includes end portions that are fixed to sunglass frames, and a bent portion between the end portions. The bent portion is inserted into the pipe member, and the internal diameter of the pipe member is smaller than the width of the bent portion, so that the bent portion is elastically deformed in the pipe member.

The invention relates to a moonlet high-precision time synchronization method which comprises the following steps of: (1) installing two GPS (Global Position System) receivers of mutual backup on a moonlet; sending GPS second pulse signals as a time reference; (2) after the GPS receivers output the second pulse signals for 50ms, regarding the GPS receivers as main nodes of a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus on the moonlet; sending broadcasting data of time setting at a whole second corresponding to the second pulse signals by the GPS receivers, wherein the CAN bus on the moonlet adopts a limited multi-host communication working mode; and (3) generating a corresponding time scale according to the received GPS second pulse signals and the corresponding broadcasting data of time setting at the whole second so as to realize time synchronization. The method provided by the invention is simple and reliable in realization; and because the time of each part related to payloads on the moonlet is from the GPS receivers with very high precision, the synchronization precision can also be ensured.

A bi-directional solid state switch has two main transistors which are connected to each other with input to input and input referenced output to input referenced output. Each unreferenced transistor output is separately connected to an output terminal of the switch. An electrical impedance is connected between the input connection and the input referenced output connection. A driver signal is connected across the input connection and one output terminal. This circuit topology is counter-intuitive, but provides advantages which can include eliminating the need for electrical isolation, being capable of turning on or off at any time, at or between zero crossings, having a high speed of response, simplicity, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and energy-efficiency.

The invention discloses a device and a method for the narrowband interference suppression of an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) receiver, wherein the device is located on an OFDM receiving chain and between an intermediate-frequency processing module and a base band processing module; and the device is characterized by comprising a narrowband interference searching module, a digital notch filter coefficient generation module and a time domain digital notch filter module which are orderly connected. The method comprises the following steps of: firstly performing a fast Fourier transform on a digital signal input to the OFDM receiver to obtain the frequency spectrum characteristics of the input signal, then judging whether the input signal has a narrowband interference and obtaining the interference characteristics according to a set threshold, then inquiring a preset filter coefficient table according to the interference characteristics to obtain a filter coefficient, finally configuring the filter coefficient in the time domain digital notch filter module; in this way, after the digital signal input to the OFDM receiver passes through the filter, a signal after the narrowband interference is filtered is output, thereby improving the performance of resisting narrowband interference of an OFDM demodulation system.

An optical apparatus having a vertical light receiving element is disclosed. The optical apparatus is configured to couple light generated from a light source using the vertical light receiving element, then transforms the received light signals into an electric signal. The optical apparatus includes: a vertical photo detector having a photo-absorption layer; and an optical bench on which the photo detector is disposed. The optical bench having a first groove and a second groove formed adjacent to each other, the first groove having a predetermined inclination and being formed at an edge of a first surface of the optical bench, and the first surface being opposite to a second surface of the optical bench, on which the photo detector is disposed, such that a light signal incident to the first groove is refracted at a predetermined angle by the first groove; and the light signal, which has been refracted by the first groove, is totally reflected by the second groove. As a result, that the light signal is substantially and vertically incident into the photo-absorption layer.

The invention discloses an on-line rapid automatic frequency calibration circuit for frequency synthesizer and a method thereof. The automatic frequency calibration circuit mainly comprises a rapid charge and discharge circuit (21), a comparator circuit (22) and a digital logic processing circuit. The calibration method in the invention adopts closed loop calibration. The main thinking is taking capacitance array as expansion of variable capacitance and imitating establishment process of phase-locked loop only with variable capacitance and without capacitance array to integrate automatic frequency calibration process and the phase-locked loop establishment process as one body. According to the invention, calibration time of frequency synthesizer is reduced, thus output frequency of the frequency synthesizer can be switched rapidly.

An anti-fuse memory cell having a variable thickness gate oxide. The variable thickness gate oxide is formed by depositing a first oxide over a channel region of the anti-fuse memory cell, removing the first oxide in a thin oxide area of the channel region, and then thermally growing a second oxide in the thin oxide area. The remaining first oxide defines a thick oxide area of the channel region. The second oxide growth occurs under the remaining first oxide, but at a rate less than thermal oxide growth in the thin oxide area. This results in a combined thickness of the first oxide and the second oxide in the thick oxide area being greater than second oxide in the thin oxide area.

A method of identifying the current route of paths on communications MS-SPRINGs is described. The method comprises the steps of providing the network manager with information relating to the Nominal Route of the at least one path; and providing the management system with information of current status of the at least one network element, and being characterized by comprising the steps of processing the information provided through steps a) and b) so as to calculate the current route of the at least one path. The invention further concerns a network manager able to carry out the various steps of the method.

The invention provides an air conditioner and an air conditioner throttling device blockage detection method and system. The air conditioner comprises a compressor, an indoor unit, an indoor unit evaporator and a counter. The detection method comprises the steps of (1) acquiring the state of the compressor after the air conditioner is powered on and started up; (2) judging whether the continuous running time of the compressor reaches the first preset time t1 or not when the compressor is in a running state; (3) if yes, further judging whether the running frequency of the compressor within the first preset time t1 is greater than the preset frequency f1; (3) if yes, acquiring the running current I1 of the air conditioner and / or the air intake temperature T1 of the indoor unit and the temperature T2 of the indoor unit evaporator at the intervals of the second preset time t2; and (4) judging whether a throttling device of the air conditioner is blocked or not according to the running current I1 of the air conditioner and / or the air intake temperature T1 of the indoor unit and the temperature T2 of the indoor unit evaporator. By means of the method, whether the throttling device of the air conditioner is blocked or not can be detected, and the detection method is simple and reliable.

An adaptive LED multi-module headlamp with integrated dipped beam and high beam includes a dipped beam and high beam following-up adaptive beam pattern control system, a light compensation system, and a color temperature control system; the dipped beam and high beam following-up adaptive beam pattern control system comprising a LED light source module array, the LED light source module array comprising a number of LED light source modules including more than two LED light source modules parallel to each other which forming a direct light source, axes of the more than two LED light source modules paralleling with the center of vehicle body, and including more than one LED light source module arranged outside the direct light source which forming a steering light source, angle between axes of the more than one LED light source module and the center of vehicle body being acute angle, the angle between axes of the LED light module of the steering light source and vehicle body increasing in turn from inside out. A dipped beam and high beam spot during driving straight and following-up beam pattern while turning can be achieved to get a better illumination angle by arranging multiple independent LED light source modules as a headlamp and by controlling different LED light source modules to be lighted during driving straight or turning.