8481 results about "Concentrator" patented technology

A surgical grasper is provided. The grasper comprises a handle, two jaws operably connected to the handle, which jaws can be actuated by the handle, and a sensor. A surgical grasper for use in robotic surgery is also provided. The grasper comprises a shaft, two jaws at a distal end of the shaft, which jaws can be actuated in response to a robot command, and a sensor. A method for measuring an amount of force being applied by a jaw of a grasper is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a grasper comprising a handle and two jaws operably connected to the handle, which jaws can be actuated by the handle; providing a sensor on the grasper; and, providing for measuring an amount of force being applied to the sensor. A method for measuring an amount of force being applied by a jaw of a grasper for use in robotic surgery is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a grasper for use in robotic surgery, the grasper comprising a shaft and two jaws at a distal end of the shaft, which jaws can be actuated responsive to a robot command; providing a sensor; and, providing for measuring an amount of force being applied to the sensor. A surgical feedback system is also provided. The surgical feedback system comprises a surgical grasper capable of taking a force measurement and a data concentrator coupled to the grasper via a wired or wireless interface using a first data transmission protocol with internal storage. A method for obtaining surgical feedback is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a surgical grasper capable of taking a force measurement; and, providing a data concentrator coupled to the grasper via a wired or wireless interface using a first data transmission protocol with internal storage.

A computer system for synchronizing a mobile device with a remote enterprise database includes a replication database. The replication database is mapped to and maintained as a subset image of the remote enterprise database through a bi-directional replication process. A mobile device gateway server is coupled to the replication database. The mobile device gateway includes a concentrator, which is configured to selectively receive replication data from the replication database, transform the received replication data into a format native to the mobile device and to selectively send the received and transformed replication data to the mobile device. The concentrator is also configured to receive mobile device data, transform and to send the received mobile device data to the replication database. The mobile device gateway server acts as a middle tier between one or more enterprise databases and one or more mobile devices or any network-enabled thin client.

A full service cable television system and method are provided. The system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. The system delivers television programs, advanced cable services, and online services. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal includes a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I / O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry. Through these components, the set-top terminal provides advanced cable services such as a comprehensive channel navigator, an interactive program guide, impulse Pay-Per-View, Near-Video-On-Demand and Video-On-Demand programming, and advanced configuration controls. The set-top terminal also provides online services such as World Wide Web browsing, Internet e-mail, and home shopping.

A plasma concentrator for producing plasma concentrate from a plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed. The device comprises a concentrating chamber having an inlet port and an concentrate outlet, the concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and at least one inert agitator; and a concentrate chamber having an inlet communicating with the concentrator outlet through a filter, and having an plasma concentrate outlet port. A process for producing plasma concentrate from plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed, comprising the steps of a) moving the plasma into a concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and an agitator to form a hydrogel bead-plasma mixture; b) causing the agitator to stir the hydrogel bead-plasma mixture, facilitating absorption of water by the beads from the plasma, until a hydrogel bead-plasma concentrate is formed; and c) separating the plasma concentrate from the hydrogel beads by passing the plasma concentrate through a filter. The concentrator can be one or more syringe devices coupled for multiple concentrations.

Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system. The user interface, which includes a visual recognition system, enables the user to transparently control multiple input devices over a variety of protocols while operating on a single control layer of an input command device. In an alternative embodiment, the control system also enables gated signal pass-through control while avoiding signal jamming.

A magnetic forming system (10) for creating a fluid circuit joint between a tube and a fitting includes an induction coil (12). The induction coil (12) may form a first stage electromagnetic current. A field concentrator (132) may focus the first stage electromagnetic current to form a second stage electromagnetic current. An insert (136) may focus the second stage electromagnetic current to form an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field forms the fluid circuit joint. The induction coil (12) may be insertable within the tube, generate an electromagnetic field, and impose the electromagnetic field on and to expand a portion of the tube within the fitting to form the fluid circuit joint. The system (10) may include a receptacle (54) that is external to the tube and the fitting. An insert (56) may be mechanically coupled within the receptacle (54) and limit the outward expansion of the tube and the fitting.

A communication system has a control computer, one or more concentrators and one or more access device each having a badge application that communicates wirelessly with the one or more concentrators. The access device with the badge application provides 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.

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing content. In one embodiment, a method of managing electronic content from a plurality of a user's computing devices is disclosed. Content from the devices is automatically uploaded to a media hub service that securely routes, processes, synchronizes, and / or stores the content in accordance one or more user-specified policies.

Wide-area data communications utilize regional networks transporting IP-over-Ethernet on fiber. For certain Layer 2 services, a regional implementation of the network makes limited use of spanning tree protocol on a backbone ring. Learning bridge operations in switches on associated access rings involve a short default for an aging timer. For use of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), the connection of each access ring to the backbone ring uses a pair of routers with dual links therebetween. One of these links is bonded to the backbone (OSPF Area 0), whereas the other link is bonded to the Area of the respective access ring. Also, certain routers within each regional network form a mini-autonomous system, for boundary gateway protocol (BGP). The mini-autonomous systems of the regional networks form a confederation. The network utilizes route reflectors in the mini-autonomous systems. The Internet carries confederation commands to and from a designated hub.

This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.

A protective enclosure for an electronic device such as a laptop computer or tablet computer that comprises a shell that is capable of enclosing and substantially surrounding the electronic device. The shell is substantially watertight, substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant. The inside of the shell has a hook and loop liner with shock absorbing corner bumpers having hook and loop type bases so that the bumpers may attach at any point on the liner inside the shell to accommodate electronic devices of various sizes and to secure the device inside the enclosure in a shock absorbent suspended manner. The shell may further comprise a USB connector hub for connection to the USB port of a laptop computer or PC tablet enclosed in the protective shell.

A method of providing an apparatus and system comprising a complete smart solar electrical power generator system integrated into the form of a thin flat glass plate. The novel elements include: a micro-scale optical array, a new type of miniaturized photovoltaic cell, an inside-the-lens concentrator design, integral heat sinking and mechanical support, a sealed solid-state design with no air gaps and a new process for building it, combined reflective / refractive light concentration around the photovoltaic cell, variable solar concentration ratios, and a new integrated structure for interconnecting the system together.

A method and apparatus for curing photosensitive materials uses LEDs and an optical concentrator to generate high optical power intensities. An LED array, comprising a plurality of LED assemblies, generates collimated light. A collection lens functions as an optical concentrator and focuses the collimated light to a desired spot size at a desired location. The LED assemblies may be at least partially disposed in a cooling plenum, where the cooling plenum is at least partially defined by the collection lens. Each LED assembly within the LED array may be detachably coupled to a mounting surface, enabling easy replacement of individual LED assemblies within the LED array. The photocuring assembly may also include a redirecting assembly disposed between the collection lens and the desired location that may further concentrate the light at the desired location. The photocuring assembly may include more than one of the above features.

A method and apparatus for implementing location-based identification in a communication network. The method comprises establishing a network connection between a host and a network, transmitting network data packets from the host through a connection port, transmitting data packets from the host through a location-specific connection port and identifying the port at an access concentrator in the form of a port identifier. The port identifier is then communicated to a network device, typically a gateway device, and stored in a database in communication with the network device. The method may include tagging the network packets at the access concentrator with a port identifier that corresponds to a media access control (MAC) address. The access concentrator and the network device will tag and communicate port numbers by assigning VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) identifiers to the ports.

The present invention provides a system and method for providing controlled service transactions involving multiple service providers on a service network. A client access device links to the service network via a network entry point and performs the multi-service provider transaction under the control of a network transactional application at a hub that holds the transaction captive and includes a router to route to remote distributed software objects at nodes of the service providers. The software objects include methods that may be remotely executed under the control of the transactional application at the hub.

A chainable Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) flash-memory drive has both a female USB connector and a male USB connector mounted on a printed-circuit board (PCB) substrate. A USB hub mounted on the substrate connects to a host through the male USB connector. One of the ports of the USB hub is connected to the female USB connector to allow the host to connect to downstream USB devices connected to the chainable USB flash-memory drive. Other ports of the USB hub connect to one or more flash controller chips that drive flash memory chips. The flash memory chips may be mounted on the substrate, or may be on daughter-cards that plug into sockets on the chainable USB flash-memory drive's substrate. The flash controller chip may be mounted on the drive substrate or on the daughter-cards. Several chainable USB flash-memory drives may be connected together in a daisy chain.

A home entertainment system that employs DRM (Data Rights Management) data protected multimedia programs and rights management component (RMC), with corresponding hardware and software systems incorporated in to home entertainment systems, to protect rights of the media program providers and the users. The system employs STB (Set Top Box) as a hub. The rights management component is incorporated in to the set top box (STB Circuitry), as well as some of the media devices. Three operational scenarios are envisaged regarding the home entertainment system. The first operational scenario involves a remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry; where as the STB Circuitry performs the duty of a mediator. The second operational scenario involves remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry, where as the STB Circuitry having rights to reissue licenses to media players. The third operational scenario involves local media sources incorporating the RMC and interacting with the STB Circuitry to decrypt and transcode the multimedia programs. Further, the STB Circuitry interacts with a remote billing server via the communication network regarding presentation rights, to interact with a user regarding the presentation rights, and to arrange for payment for the presentation rights.

A holographic planar concentrator (HPC) for collecting and concentrating optical radiation is provided. The holographic planar concentrator comprises a planar highly transparent plate and at least one multiplexed holographic optical film mounted on a surface thereof. The multiplexed holographic optical film has recorded therein a plurality of diffractive structures having one or more regions which are angularly and spectrally multiplexed. Two or more of the regions may be configured to provide spatial multiplexing. The HPC is fabricated by: (a) recording the plurality of diffractive structures in the multiplexed holographic optical film employing angular, spectral, and, optionally, spatial multiplexing techniques; and (b) mounting the multiplexed holographic optical film on one surface of the highly transparent plate. The recording of the plurality of diffractive structures is tailored to the intended orientation of the holographic planar concentrator to solar energy. The HPC is mounted in the intended orientation for collecting solar energy and at least one solar energy-collecting device is mounted along at least one edge of the holographic planar concentrator. Examples of suitable solar energy-collecting devices include photovoltaic cells and fiber optic light guides for transmitting collected light into an interior of a building for illumination purposes and for transmitting collected solar radiation into a hot water tank for heating. The HPC permits efficient collection of solar energy without expensive requirements, while minimizing energy losses.

A system is provided for creating a tunneling service from the use of a traditional tunneling protocol, such as the layer two tunneling protocol (L2TP). In particular, the L2TP tunneling protocol, which is designed to go point-to-point between an L2TP Access Concentrator (LAC) and an L2TP Network Server (LNS), is abstracted so that L2TP becomes an access protocol to a tunneling service. A new L2TP tunnel merger and management (LTM) service is created which severs the tight configuration relationships between LAC and LNSs. Only a tight configuration between an LAC and its LTM edge device and between an LNS and its LTM edge device is required. An internal trunk protocol (INT protocol) carries needed information between LTM edge devices to establish ingress / egress L2TP access calls inside of separate L2TP access tunnels on opposite LTM edge devices. The addition of another LAC is accomplished by re-routing L2TP tunnels within the LTM service without reconfiguration of the LNSs, and the addition of another LNS is accomplished by re-routing L2TP tunnels within the LTM service without reconfiguration of the LACs. The LTM service determines the need for both additional trunk and access resources and establishes both new trunk / access tunnels to provide additional resources. The LTM service also determines excess resources on both trunk and access entities and releases trunk / access tunnels to provide the needed additional resources.

A platform independent model for exchanging information among numerous entities in a justice system with diverse system components is implemented in a hub and spoke arrangement. Each spoke includes a software agent that communicates with a system component of an entity of the justice system, translates from a common communication format to a communication format of the system component, and manages the timing of the flow of information to / from the system component. The hub includes an information broker that communicates with each agent in the common communication format, determines what information is needed by which entity, and routes the needed information to / from respective agents for the entities that need the information. The platform independent model includes a plurality of traceable and linked UML models that define the information broker from a business use case model through to a platform independent solution model for implementation on a given solution platform. Since these UML models are readily modifiable and traceable for changes to the justice system, they facilitate implementation of the system in a cost-effective manner from one customer to the next without requiring system redesign.

A needle assembly including a cover, an inner shield, a needle and a hub assembly is provided. After use, the cover is placed over the distal (patient) end of the needle and the inner shield can be used to cover the proximal (non-patient) end of the needle. The inner shield comprises flexible extensions above its open end to secure the inner shield over the proximal end of a needle in the needle assembly. A needle hub is also provided that eliminates adhesive bumps at the base of the needle and further distributes needle angular bending along an irregular surface, which facilitates proper insertion technique and effective needle length. The hub further includes stanchions or castellations on its edge such that when the patient uses proper injection techniques, the edges of the hub leave a distinctive impression in the skin of a user for a short period of time.

The present invention provides a device and method for managing fault detection and isolation in voice and data networks. Specifically, the present invention is a device and method for fault detection and fault isolation that can be used to validate connectivity of a central site to a number of connected client devices. The present invention operates stage by stage, working from the central site back to a connected client device. The present invention can be controlled from a central maintenance station and as such does not require direct user enabling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intelligent device (e.g., an intelligent data concentrator) for coupling an electronic device to a network comprising a first interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to the network and a second interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to a plurality of client devices such that the client devices are communicatively coupled to the network. The intelligent device also comprises means for processing and interpreting data coupled to the first interface, and fault detection means coupled to the means for processing and interpreting data, wherein the fault detection means performs fault detection in the network. In one embodiment, the intelligent device operates in conjunction with a central control site in performing fault detection.

Systems and methods by which voice / data communications may occur in multiple modes / protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode / protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode / protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. A computer or other processor includes a local area network controller, which provides routing and hub(s) for one or more packet networks. The computer also is coupled to a buffer / framer, which serves to frame / deframe data to / from the computer from TDM bus. The buffer / framer includes a plurality of framer / deframer engines, supporting, for example, ATM and HDLC framing / deframing. The buffer / framer is coupled to the TDM bus by way of a switch / multiplexer, which includes the capability to intelligently map data traffic between the buffer / framer and the TDM bus to various slots of the TDM frames. Preferably, a DSP pool is coupled to buffer / framer in a manner to provide various signal processing and telecommunications support, such as dial tone generation, DTMF detection and the like. The TDM bus is coupled to a various line / station cards, serving to interface the TDM bus with telephone, facsimiles and other telecommunication devices, and also with a various digital and / or analog WAN network services. Language support for such systems is accomplished by way of a program / data structure so that additional language support may be readily implemented, for example, by a non-software programmer using grammar and voice prompt files, which are preferably located in a predetermined directory in the system.

A photon emitting device comprises a plurality of solid state radiation sources to generate radiation. The solid state radiation sources can be disposed in an array pattern. Optical concentrators, arranged in a corresponding array pattern, receive radiation from corresponding solid state radiation sources. The concentrated radiation is received by a plurality of optical waveguides, also arranged in a corresponding array pattern. Each optical waveguide includes a first end to receive the radiation and a second end to output the radiation. A support structure is provided to stabilize the plurality of optical waveguides between the first and second ends. The photon emitting device can provide a replacement for a discharge lamp device in various applications including road illumination, spot lighting, back lighting, image projection and radiation activated curing.

A payment system for facilitating a payment transaction between a payer and a payee is disclosed. The payment system includes a payer access device, a payee access device, and a services hub. The services hub is configured to communicate with the payer device and the payee device; maintain information relating to a payer account and access device information associated with the payer account, the payer account being linked to the access device; generate a tracer ticket in response to a request issued by the payer using either the payer device or the payee device, the tracer ticket containing information relating to the payment transaction; validate the access devices; and authorize the payment transaction against the payer account through conventional payment processing systems. Upon receiving the request from the payee device for the tracer ticket, the services hub generates the tracer ticket and forwards a copy thereof to the payer via the payee device. Upon receiving the copy of the tracer ticket, the payer uses the payer device to communicate with the services hub and forward the received copy of the tracer ticket to the services hub. The services hub then validates the payer device based on the access device information. Upon validation of the payer device, the services hub checks the copy of the tracer ticket forwarded by the access device against the previously generated tracer ticket. If the copy of the tracer ticket forwarded by the access device corresponds to the previously generated tracer ticket, the services hub authorizes the payment transaction against the payer account.

A power line communication (PLC) hub incorporates multiple network communication media and services for devices. Implementations can be plugged into an electrical outlet to furnish a single point for both electrical power and network connectivity. Each of the electrical outlets is tied through an electrical distribution system to a network through a conventional PLC bridge to provide network connectivity through the electrical distribution system using PLC technology. The PLC outlet hub can include various combinations of applications and / or services including Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) gateway, media server, Internet router / gateway, Local Area Network (“LAN”), both wired and wireless voice and video conferencing capability, including a VoIP, Voice over WiFi (“VoWiFi”), Power Over Ethernet (“PoE”), Wireless 802.11a / b / g / n capability and (Wireless Universal Serial Bus “WUSB” / Ultra Wide Band “UWB”) wireless connectivity, and Blue Tooth. Versions of the PLC outlet hub can have an Ethernet IEEE 802.3 family (such as IEEE 802.3af) compliant power supply to furnish power to PoE enabled devices.

A system and method for distributing search requests in a network. The system and method may also route search responses. Network nodes operating as consumer or requesting nodes generate the search requests. Nodes operating as hubs are configured to route the search requests in the network. Individual nodes operating as provider nodes receive the search request and in response may generate search results according to their own procedures and return them. Communication between nodes in the network may use a common query protocol. Hub nodes may resolve the search requests to a subset of the provider nodes in the network, for example by matching search requests with registration information from nodes. Search results may be customized at various stages in the network.

With small dimensional optics, small photovoltaic cells have heat distribution surfaces, very high concentrations and subsequently high utilization of the semiconductors can be achieved. Discrete photodiodes can be formed as spherical and other geometric shaped, cells with high performance characteristics, precision dimensions, and low cost. This invention positions discrete photovoltaic cells by using their geometric shape, elastic electrical mounts, couples them to small optical concentrator systems of refractory and or reflective optics and makes electrical network connections to those photodiodes, reliably, adjusting for thermal expansion, and at low cost to form low cost and reliable electrical power arrays. The electrical connectors and network can form part of the reflective optics and heat removal system. The electrical interconnection system can also form a reliable network that is self-correcting and tolerant of point failures.

The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.