Abstract:
A writing instrument has a nib that can retract automatically upon release of a grip on the writing instrument. The writing instrument has one or more leaves that can be flexed to push the cartridge towards the front end of the writing instrument to expose the nib. A spring applies a force on the cartridge to automatically retract the nib when a grip on the writing instrument is released.
Abstract:
In accordance with one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided. The detector includes a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The detector also includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light imager that is configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer. The CMOS light imager includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface. The scintillator layer contacts the first surface of the CMOS light imager.
Abstract:
A pair of bicycle tire levers comprising: an outside lever, the outside lever having a main body and a tapered end on one end of the main body, the outside lever comprising: an unthreaded compressed gas cartridge clearance hole located on the main body, and an inside lever, the inside lever having a main body and a tapered end on one end of the main body; the inside lever comprising: a threaded compressed gas cartridge hole located on the main body and configured to allow a compressed gas cartridge to screw into the hole. A compressed gas accessory holder comprising: a main orifice body; a threaded main orifice located in the main orifice body, where the threaded main orifice is configured to allow a compressed gas cartridge to screw into the main orifice; a slotted body attached to the main orifice body, the slotted body comprising: a main slot.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
Abstract:
Technologies are described herein for the automated offloading of the execution of a user-defined function (“UDF”) to a high performance computing (“HPC”) system. When a request is received to calculate a workbook that references a UDF, a spreadsheet application program determines, based upon a tag set by the UDF, whether the UDF is safe for execution on the HPC system. If the UDF is safe for execution on the HPC system, the spreadsheet application program causes the UDF to be executed on the HPC system using a connector that communicates with the HPC system to cause the UDF to be executed thereupon. A container executing on the HPC system emulates interfaces provided by the spreadsheet application program and is utilized to execute the UDF. Results of the execution of the UDF on the HPC system may be returned asynchronously to the connector and to the spreadsheet application program.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a soluble antioxidant dietary fiber obtained from pineapple and a method of processing pineapple pulp to provide a soluble antioxidant fiber.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to 4-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds that are useful in treating infections by hepatitis C virus: wherein R6 is X is N, Ring A is a 5- or 6-membered aryl, optionally substituted by 1-3 R8 moieties, n is 2, and R1-R6 and R8 are defined herein.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-frying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.
Abstract:
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for coordinating a radiological imaging subsystem with a component including: a first communication device located on the radiological imaging subsystem; and a second communication device located on the component, wherein the first and second communication devices are capable of communicating to indicate a positional relationship between the radiological imaging subsystem and the component. In an embodiment, the component includes an imaging table. In an embodiment, at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system is determinable based at least in part on the communicating to indicate a positional relationship. In an embodiment, the at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system includes at least one range of motion of a gantry.