961 results about "Environmental effect" patented technology

A radiant energy concentrating or collimating system comprising an enclosure that shields its contents from environmental effects while allowing radiant energy to transmit through its top window; a plurality of energy concentrating or collimating assemblies, each on its own pivot mechanism and each comprising a plurality of optics, a support structure and an energy conversion device that is mounted on a heat dissipating structure; a drive mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to rotate the said energy concentrating or collimating assemblies on two orthogonal axes in unison so the assemblies are oriented towards desired direction at any given time.

An automatic breath collecting and sampling system, which is preferably carried by the subject, or otherwise kept with him or near him, for the recommended duration of the collection period. The system collects samples in separate switchable containers, either at predetermined time intervals, or in response to an automatic stimulus, which could be related to the breath content itself, or to another physiological signal, such as the subject s pulse rate, breath rate, blood pressure, or temperature, or in response to a signal related to an environmental effect, such as the presence of a strong concentration in the air of a foreign gas, which could be detected by an electrochemical sensor, or manually by the subject after being prompted by the system. After collection of the requisite number of separate containers, they may be detached and sent for analysis or other treatment.

An enhanced backscatter RF-ID tag reader system and multiprotocol RF tag reader system is provided. In a multiprotocol mode, the system emits a non-stationary interrogation signal, and decodes a phase modulated backscatter signal by detecting a stronger phase component from quadrature phase representations or determining phase transition edges in a phase of a received signal. The RF tag reader system predicts or follows the phase of the backscatter signal, thereby avoiding interference from nulls in the received signal waveform due to the non-stationary interrogation signal, relative movement or environmental effects. An acoustic RF-ID tag detection system detects the reradiated signal corresponding to respective transformation of a signal in the tag. Detection of either type of RF-ID tags therefore is possible, and the absence of any tag or absence of any valid tag also determined.

The invention provides a therapeutic system comprising:a console, wherein the console comprises a controller and an energy generator;a therapeutic device comprising: an operational head configured for transmitting the energy output from to a biological tissue; and a memory device comprising control instructions, wherein said control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the console;a reversible memory operable linkage linking the memory device to the controller; anda reversible connector configured for operably linking the energy generator to the operational head.Optionally, the energy generator is a generator of ablation energy or heat energy (e.g. RF generator) and the control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the output of the energy generator. Optionally, the control instructions comprise one or more parameters of energy output or an algorithm configured for controlling the energy output. Optionally, the system further comprises one or more secondary therapeutic devices and the control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the one or more secondary therapeutic devices. Optionally, the system further comprises one or more sensors configured for sensing parameters of energy output or biological or environmental effects of the energy output and the control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the energy output and / or secondary therapeutic devices based on the parameters of energy output or biological or environmental effects. In some embodiments, one advantage provided by the present invention is the use of a single console with a plurality of interchangeable reversibly connected therapeutic devices.

This disclosure presents a non-contact precision optical device, including methods for measuring distances to an arbitrary target and various configuration geometries, for using polarization maintaining (PM) optical fiber components in a polarization diplexing scheme to construct a version of a dual chirp coherent laser radar that is immune to environmental effects.

A touch sensor assembly having a selectable sensitivity level allows for a user to activate a touch sensor while wearing hand covers. The touch sensor assembly includes a touch sensor, a comparison unit, and a control unit. The touch sensor has a selectable sensitivity level, and detects a value corresponding to a capacitance of the touch sensor. The comparison unit has a predetermined threshold stored therein, and determines activation of the touch sensor if the detected value exceeds the predetermined value. The control unit is operable to select a sensitivity level of the touch sensor by varying the predetermined threshold by an amount unrelated to an environmental effect on the touch sensor.

A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which the light-source output can be adjusted according to its variation by environmental influences and over time. The head comprises: a light source; a write head element provided in a element-integration surface; an optical system provided in the element-integration surface and configured to guide a light emitted from the light source to the vicinity of one end of the write head element; and a light detector for monitoring the light-source output, provided in the element-integration surface and comprising a light-receiving surface covering an area directly above at least a portion of the optical system. This light detector with such a light-receiving surface can detect a leakage light emitted from the optical system as a monitoring light. Therefore, feedback adjustment of the light-source output can be realized to stabilize the intensity of light for thermal-assist applied to a magnetic recording medium.

This disclosure presents a non-contact precision optical device, including methods for measuring distances to an arbitrary target and various configuration geometries, for using polarization maintaining (PM) optical fiber components in a polarization diplexing scheme to construct a version of a dual chirp coherent laser radar that is immune to environmental effects.

An economically viable process and system for centrally processing multiple loads of laundry with minimum environmental impact. A system and method of laundering whereby successive loads of laundry may be washed while continuously providing effective soil removal comprising at least partially recycled wash water from at least one previous wash cycle. The system and the method of using the same comprises filtering wash water with at least one filter to form wash retentate and wash permeate. The use of wash permeate in successive washes provides for reuse of chemicals and water recovery. A similar arrangement may be used with regard to the rinse water. Advantageously, one embodiment of the invention provides for the use of rinse retentate as make up water in the wash loop which increases water recovery and chemical recovery. Ultimately, the invention can reduce the production of gray water and recover chemicals used in the laundering process.

A bulk acoustic wave resonator structure that isolates the core resonator from both environmental effects and aging effects. The structure has a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between two electrodes. The structure is protected against contamination, package leaks, and changes to the piezoelectric material due to external effects while still providing inertial resistance. The structure has one or more protective elements that limit aging effects to at or below a specified threshold. The resonator behavior is stabilized across the entire bandwidth of the resonance, not just at the series resonance. Examples of protective elements include a collar of material around the core resonator so that perimeter and edge-related environmental and aging phenomena are kept away from the core resonator, a Bragg reflector formed above or below the piezoelectric layer and a cap formed over the piezoelectric layer.

The invention relates to an ecological restoration method for a city watercourse. The ecological restoration method for the city watercourse is characterized in that the polluted city watercourse is comprehensively restored with the combination of physical, biological and ecological technologies, the ecological theory is used for reference in the treatment process, the ecological idea is used as the guiding thought, a complex water ecosystem structure is constructed and restored, the original natural state of the watercourse is restored, the self-cleaning capacity of a river system is improved, the environment is beautified, and the local city microclimates are improved at the same time. The ecological restoration method mainly comprises the steps of (1) controlling a pollution source, (2) modifying the river bank, (3) optimizing the environment of the river bottom, (4) modifying the watercourse, (5) conducting aeration and oxygenation, (6) constructing an aquatic plant community, (7) constructing a fish and macrobenthos community, and (8) maintaining the system. The watercourse ecological system restored through the ecological restoration method has the certain anti-interference capacity, on the premise that a large amount of exogenous pollution is cut off, the certain-strength interference can be resisted, and the good ecological environmental effect is obtained. After one-time input, the better ecological benefit can be obtained only with a small number of maintenance costs.

The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of substances and, in some embodiments, to the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances by a hostile biophysical environment. In one aspect, various methods for the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances are disclosed. By creating a hostile biophysical environment, beneficial substances may be delivered, according to certain embodiments, through the stratum corneum of the skin into the body. Beneficial substances include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, vitamins, co-factors, peptides, dietary supplements, and others. The beneficial effects disclosed include, for instance, relief of pain and inflammation, prevention and healing of ulcers of the skin, relief of headache, improved sexual function and enjoyment, growth of hair on the scalp, improving muscle size and / or function, removing body fat and / or cellulite, treating cancer, treating viral infections and others. A hostile biophysical environment may also be used in conjunction with systems and methods for increasing local blood flow, according to one set of embodiments. For example, by using a nitric oxide donor such as L-arginine, local blood flow may be increased, e.g., by transdermally delivering the nitric oxide precursor. The nitric oxide donor may be the sole cause of increased blood flow, or it may be supplemented with an adjunct such as theophylline.

Energy-efficiency related data corresponding to dynamic energy-efficiency related operational parameters of a vehicle are collected from in-vehicle sensors and energy-efficiency parameters may be computed therefrom. The energy efficiency-related parameters and energy-efficiency parameters are then transmitted either directly of through a wireless and / or network link(s) to a station at which a transaction with a vehicle operator may be performed. An incentive based on efficiency of vehicle operation is computed and awarded to provide feedback to a vehicle operator to provide information concerning efficient vehicle operation and to encourage efficient and environmentally responsible vehicle operation. Both energy efficiency and environmental effects may be displayed at the station or substantially continuously and in substantially real time within the vehicle.

Environmental stabilizing agents are stored in an adhesive adjoining, directly or indirectly, a film or membrane that requires protection from the environment. Such stabilizing agents include ultra-violet protectors and anti-oxidants. Migration of such environmental stabilizing agents from an adhesive to a film or membrane permits the use of new and different materials for such films and membranes because their method of manufacture no longer needs to accommodate the heat and processing sensitivities of the stabilizing agents.

The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of substances and, in some embodiments, to the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances by a hostile biophysical environment. In one aspect, various methods for the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances are disclosed. By creating a hostile biophysical environment, beneficial substances may be delivered, according to certain embodiments, through the stratum corneum of the skin into the body. Beneficial substances include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, vitamins, co-factors, peptides, dietary supplements, and others. The beneficial effects disclosed include, for instance, relief of pain and inflammation, prevention and healing of ulcers of the skin, relief of headache, improved sexual function and enjoyment, growth of hair on the scalp, improving muscle size and / or function, removing body fat and / or cellulite, treating cancer, treating viral infections and others. A hostile biophysical environment may also be used in conjunction with systems and methods for increasing local blood flow, according to one set of embodiments. For example, by using a nitric oxide donor such as L-arginine, local blood flow may be increased, e.g., by transdermally delivering the nitric oxide precursor. The nitric oxide donor may be the sole cause of increased blood flow, or it may be supplemented with an adjunct such as theophylline.

The utility model provides a fault testing proposal over network cables. Wider differential detection pulses are sent out from a testing end. When encountering a break point on the cable, the detection pulses are reflected, and the reflected pulses are transmitted back to the sending end along the cable. The sending signal and the reflected signal are mutually superposed, and the time interval between the sending and reflected signals is calculated by measuring the time width of the superposed part; then the position and cause of the failure can be analyzed out. The proposal in the utility model also provides a relevant network cable tester. Four pairs of twisted network cables can be tested just by connecting any end of the network cable with the tester. The tester in the utility model has advantages of simple operation, high resolution and negligible environmental impact. Beside application in network cable fault testing, the testing proposal and device in the utility model can be also used in coaxial cable fault testing.

The present disclosure relates to a pump mechanism driven by differential pressure conditions and method for delivery of materials. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism may be used to deliver treatment chemical to a plunger apparatus or directly to a wellbore by exploiting pressure conditions found at a well. In certain embodiments, the pump mechanism is able to balance high pressure conditions available within a petroleum formation against low pressure conditions present in a common flow line serving the well. In so balancing these pressures, the pump mechanism is able to automatically tune itself to the needs of the well, ensuring continued operation over a wider range of operating conditions. The pump mechanism has the further advantages of lower operation costs and less environmental impact as compared with existing pumps. The pump mechanism can be used in connection with a chemical applicator which can be used to apply chemical into, onto, or below, a plunger or plunger / dispenser apparatus used in plunger lift operations, or to apply chemical directly down the well. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b)

Fiber optic grating sensor demodulation systems are described that offer high speed and multiplexing options for both single and multiple parameter fiber optic grating sensors. To attain very high speeds for single parameter fiber grating sensors ratio techniques are used that allow a series of sensors to be placed in a single fiber while retaining high speed capability. These methods can be extended to multiparameter fiber grating sensors. Optimization of speeds can be obtained by minimizing the number of spectral peaks that must be processed and it is shown that two or three spectral peak measurements may in specific multiparameter applications offer comparable or better performance than processing four spectral peaks. Combining the ratio methods with minimization of peak measurements allows very high speed measurement of such important environmental effects as transverse strain and pressure.

Normally hydroelectric dam powerhouses use river flow once before discharging it as turbulent tailwater, ineffective to spin turbines. The present invention uses tapered channels to confine and constrict turbulent tailwater into laminar flow that drives turbines both submersible and floatable utilizing the same water three times concurrently to generate new electricity. Channels originate adjacent to draft tube outlets, constrict in the downstream direction to create narrow necks where turbine / generators benefit from debris free, increased velocity and laminar flows to generate electricity. Hydroelectricity uses zero fuel, creates zero waste and has zero carbon dioxide emissions. Structures are uncomplicated, construction is within project boundaries minimizing environmental impacts and speeding projects coming online. New facilities are protected by existing dam security. Hydroelectricity replaces less dependable renewable energy systems.

The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of substances and, in some embodiments, to the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances by a hostile biophysical environment. In one aspect, various methods for the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances are disclosed. By creating a hostile biophysical environment, beneficial substances may be delivered, according to certain embodiments, through the stratum corneum of the skin into the body. Beneficial substances include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, vitamins, co-factors, peptides, dietary supplements, and others. The beneficial effects disclosed include, for instance, relief of pain and inflammation, prevention and healing of ulcers of the skin, relief of headache, improved sexual function and enjoyment, growth of hair on the scalp, improving muscle size and / or function, removing body fat and / or cellulite, treating cancer, treating viral infections and others. A hostile biophysical environment may also be used in conjunction with systems and methods for increasing local blood flow, according to one set of embodiments. For example, by using a nitric oxide donor such as L-arginine, local blood flow may be increased, e.g., by transdermally delivering the nitric oxide precursor. The nitric oxide donor may be the sole cause of increased blood flow, or it may be supplemented with an adjunct such as theophylline.

A lighting system and components are described for a lighting assembly, including a socket having a socket body and an electrical connector with a seat in the socket to seal around a light source. The socket is preferably configured to be independent of the mounting arrangement for the lighting assembly. An insulator is also disclosed for a lamp such as a fluorescent lamp having a body which protects the contact on the lamp so as to form a recessed lamp conductor. The combination of a socket and lamp insulator is also disclosed for providing a socket and insulator assembly for reducing the possibility of injury or damage due to high open circuit voltage, environmental effects and the like. Additionally, a lighting assembly is disclosed incorporating the insulator, socket and mounting arrangements.

A method is provided for sensing an environmental effect upon a sensing element and includes exposing the sensing element into the environmental effect, producing a light signal in the sensing element, modulating the light signal with a modulation signal, and determining a path length of the light signal as a function of the modulation signal. A fiber optic sensor is provided that includes a light source producing a light, a sensing element optically coupled to the light source such that the light propagates through the sensing element, a detector optically coupled to the sensing element. The detector detects light intensity propagating in the sensing element. An electronics processor receives the detector output and produces a modulation signal for the light. The processor further produces an output signal indicative of the environmental effect as a function of the modulation signal.

An optically transparent force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature.

A passive acoustic wave sensor system for monitoring the quality of liquids, such as engine oil, is disclosed. The sensor system has an acoustic wave sensing device for generating a propagating acoustic wave and for detecting changes in frequency or other propagation characteristics of the acoustic wave caused by acousto-electric interactions between the liquid and the wave at an interactive region of the device. An antenna is integrated in the sensing device for receiving an interrogation signal and for transmitting the output response of the sensing device. The output response can be analyzed to determine the conductivity, pH or other electrical characteristics of the liquid. One or more reference devices may be utilized to compensate for mechanical effects of the liquid and temperature or other environmental effects. The sensing and reference devices can be configured as SH-SAW, SH-APM, FPM devices or other acoustic wave devices.

The invention provides novel pervious composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of conventional pervious concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

A radiant energy concentrating or collimating system comprising an enclosure that shields its contents from environmental effects while allowing radiant energy to transmit through its top window; a plurality of energy concentrating or collimating assemblies, each on its own pivot mechanism and each comprising a plurality of optics, a support structure and an energy conversion device that is mounted on a heat dissipating structure; a drive mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to rotate the said energy concentrating or collimating assemblies on two orthogonal axes in unison so the assemblies are oriented towards desired direction at any given time.

Embodiments of the present invention provide enclosures for light sources, such as, but not limited to, LEDs, and their circuitry that obviate the need for separate enclosures. The light sources and their circuitry are mounted on a support structure that serves as a heat sink and protected from the environment by a flame resistant and partially transparent protective cover. Multiple such enclosures may be used in a light fixture.