A center armrest supporting structure for supporting a swivelable center armrest in a vehicle has an arm support which can be swiveled about a swivel axis into a lower use position and into an upper rest position. Console parts of the vehicle are connected to the arm support by bearing bolts. A stop bolt limits the swivel path of the arm support at least in the use position. A latching bolt prevents unintentional backward swiveling out of the use position and/or the rest position. A latching element has a sliding guide surface along which the stop bolt or the latching bolt slides when the arm support is swiveled A spring element is disposed between the frictional latching element and the bearing bolt, wherein the spring element produces a frictional force between the sliding guide surface and the stop bolt or the latching bolt, which counteracts the swivel movement.

A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.

A method and system for estimating uncertainties in radar based precipitation estimates is provided. In an embodiment, gauge measurements at one or more gauge locations are received by an agricultural intelligence computer system. The agricultural intelligence computer system obtains precipitation estimates for the one or more gauge locations that correspond to the gauge measurements and computes the differences between the precipitation estimates and the gauge measurements. Using the precipitation estimates and the computed differences, the agricultural intelligence computer system then models a dependence of the uncertainty in the precipitation estimates on the value of the precipitation estimates. When the agricultural intelligence computer system receives precipitation estimates for a location where gauge measurements are unavailable, the agricultural intelligence computer identifies an uncertainty for the precipitation estimate based on the value of the precipitation estimate and the model of the dependence of the uncertainty on the precipitation estimate values.

A sensor includes a reception antenna, a parasitic antenna terminating in a variable load, a controller, a transmitter transmitting a transmission signal, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The controller sets an impedance value of the variable load. The receiver receives a first signal formed of signals received by the antennas and derived from the transmission signal, and the signal received by the parasitic antenna corresponding to the impedance value. The memory stores a first signal strength value of the first signal corresponding to the impedance value. The processor sets candidates of a complex propagation channel, calculates second signal strength values of a second signal respectively corresponding to the candidates, estimates a target complex propagation channel by selecting a candidate corresponding to a minimum difference among differences between the first signal strength value and the second signal strength values, and estimates a direction of arrival of the first signal.

An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.

An automated seed sampler system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of seeds, an orienting device for orienting the seeds based on the images, and a sampling station for removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the system also includes a transport subsystem for supporting the oriented seeds and conveying the oriented seeds to the sampling station. A method for removing tissue from seeds includes imaging the seeds, orienting the seeds based on image information obtained from the seeds, and removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the method also includes transporting the oriented seeds in a transport subsystem to a sampling station for removing the tissue from the oriented seeds, and/or collecting the tissue removed from the oriented seeds so that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the tissue and the sampled seeds, and/or analyzing the tissue for characteristics indicative of genetic and/or chemical traits.

An automotive tool for servicing air-conditioning (AC) systems equipped with quick-connect adaptors. May be used to service modern refrigerant R132A-compatible systems or retrofitted older systems. The tool is adapted for attaching, detaching, opening, and closing valved T-adaptors used to attach gas lines and pressure gauges such as required for adjusting pressure in AC systems at full operational pressure and temperature, and particularly finds use when the “hi-tap” and “lo-tap” fittings are in hard to reach places around the engine block or chassis. The tool includes swappable extension arms so that length and angular geometry may be adjusted as needed. The tool aids in avoiding injury on dangerously hot surfaces and moving fan blades or belts. Surprisingly, using two such tools, one for the high tap and one for the low tap, a mechanic may work each tool singlehandedly to complete any necessary pressure adjustments.

A cutlery kit configured from a laminar sheet which manifests its previous use through the detachment of its parts. The kit is comprised of two or more daily, known utensils selected from a spoon, a fork and a knife, which are jointly located in a single plane and are separated by thin, continuous dotted or cut lines. The utensils fit into each other in a complementary form, counter-form way and remain joined together by the presence of continuities in the surface where these continuities interrupt the dotted lines. Each of these cutlery utensils is detached from the others through breaking, done by the user, of these continuities on the surface.

Methods and systems for time interleaved analog-to-digital converter timing mismatch calibration and compensation may include receiving an analog signal on a chip, converting the analog signal to a digital signal utilizing a time interleaved analog-to-digital-converter (ADC), and reducing a blocker signal that is generated by timing offsets in the time interleaved ADC by estimating complex coupling coefficients between a desired digital output signal and the blocker signal utilizing a decorrelation algorithm on frequencies within a desired frequency bandwidth. The decorrelation algorithm may comprise a symmetric adaptive decorrelation algorithm. The received analog signal may be generated by a calibration tone generator on the chip. An aliased signal may be summed with an output signal from a multiplier. The complex coupling coefficients may be determined utilizing the decorrelation algorithm on the summed signals. A multiplier may be configured to cancel the blocker signal utilizing the determined complex coupling coefficients.

Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

An energy harvesting device includes: a first nanoporous electrode and a second nanoporous electrode, each of which is configured to which store electrical charge; a first current collector connected to the first nanoporous electrode and a second current collector connected to the second nanoporous electrode; and an enclosure that contains the first and second nanoporous electrodes and the first and second current collectors and transfers a force applied from the outside to the first nanoporous electrode and the second nanoporous electrode, wherein at least one of the first nanoporous electrode and the second nanoporous electrode comprises an ion conductive polymer.

Apparatus and methods are provided for activity accessory including an energy harvester or generator. In an example, an activity accessory can include a first enclosure and an energy generator enclosed within the first enclosure. The energy generator can include a second enclosure. The energy generator can include a spherical magnet housed within the second enclosure and windings surrounding the second enclosure. Movement of the spherical magnet within the second enclosure can induce charge movement in the windings.

The present invention relates to a triboelectric energy harvesting device and a method for manufacturing the same. The triboelectric energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first frictional layer provided with a first surface having first electron affinity, and a second frictional layer facing the first surface and having second electron affinity, wherein at least one of the first and second frictional layers is formed of an elastic material and is provided in an elastic structure.

An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).

A system and method are presented that electrically stimulates the phrenic nerve whereby said stimulation results in muscle activation of the diaphragm as observed by a measurement of work or power of breathing associated with the inspiratory portion of a stimulated breath.

A nozzle received by a patient. The nozzle has at least two portions. A first portion that has an upper end and a lower end in which a central aperture extends between the upper and lower ends of the nozzle. The central aperture terminates at the opening of the lower end of the nozzle. A second portion that has two ends, the second end is rounded. There is at least one support arm joining the first and second body portions but holding the second body portion a set distance from the first body portion.

A method and a control program for operating an anesthesia apparatus, as well as an anesthesia apparatus (12), which operates according to the method are provided. The anesthesia apparatus includes a breathing gas feed unit (22) intended for displacing a breathing gas volume in a breathing circuit (10). A piston (23) brings about the displacement of the breathing gas. Switching over between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the return of the piston (23) allows for a presetting of a corresponding piston return velocity. The piston return velocity depends on a volume flow in an exhalation branch (34) of the breathing circuit (10) in the first mode of operation. The piston return velocity depends on a minimally necessary piston return velocity in the second mode of operation.

A method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method includes: providing a part including a cavity for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the cavity and extending to either side of the cavity in a passage direction of the cavity, over a length at least equal, on either side of the cavity, to one third of the length of the cavity in the passage direction, and placing the object in the cavity, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction.

A probe card, a wafer testing system and a wafer testing method are provided. The wafer testing system includes a wafer holder and a probe card. A wafer is held on the wafer holder, and testing pads are formed on the wafer, in which the testing pads are arranged along a test straight line. The probe card includes probes each of which includes an arm portion and a tip portion. An included angle between the test straight line and an extension of a projection line of the arm portion onto the wafer ranges from about 40 degrees to about 55 degrees.

Test measurements on a utility power device by a switch matrix apparatus and a common voltage source as separate devices is performed. Through the switch matrix apparatus, the common voltage source selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the switch matrix apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the first lead and the second lead of the switch matrix apparatus remain electrically coupled to the first and the second terminal of the utility power device, a second high voltage signal is selectively sent via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and a second corresponding signal returned from the first terminal of the utility power device via the first lead of the switch matrix apparatus is measured.

A load testing apparatus includes: a resistor unit that has a resistor group including relays and resistors and is connected to a power source to be tested to perform a load test; a selection switch that is used to select whether to supply power from the power source to be tested to the resistor group; an electrical signal detection unit that detects at least one of a voltage applied to the resistor unit and a current flowing through the resistor unit; and a control unit. The relay operates in response to an on/off state of the selection switch to control power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor group including the relay. The control unit performs determination on whether the relay normally operates based on detection information including a time-series change of at least one of the voltage and the current when the selection switch is operated, which is information from the electrical signal detection unit, and performs off control to stop power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor unit.

A force detector includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a circuit board provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an element mounted on the circuit board and outputting a signal in response to an external force, wherein a hole is formed in the circuit board at a location where the element is placed, and a first convex part inserted into the hole and protruding toward the element is provided on the first substrate. Further, the element is placed within a periphery of the first convex part as seen from a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

A rail vehicle collision test rig used for a collision test on a tested vehicle is provided, and includes: a track configured to support and guide the tested vehicle; a small vehicle configured to push the tested vehicle; a drive motor configured to drive the small vehicle to advance and arranged at a first end of the track; a first rotating hub arranged at the first end of the track and connected to the drive motor; a brake motor configured to brake the small vehicle; a second rotating hub arranged at the second end of the track and connected to the brake motor; a connecting rope wound on the first rotating hub and the second rotating hub; a detector configured to detect a velocity and a position of the tested vehicle; and a controller connected to the detector and is allowed to be in communication with the detector.

A method for operating a test station (10) for portable gas-measuring devices (20) is provided. The gas-measuring device (20) is arranged in fluid-communication with the test station (10) via at least one interface (13). A flow time is set, during which the test gas (30) is fed and a waiting time is set, during which no test gas (30) is fed. After an end of the feed of the at least one test gas results of the test are analyzed. The test station (10) is configured for feeding at least one test gas (30) to the interface (13). The test station (10) for portable gas-measuring devices (20) has at least one interface (13) for the fluid-communicating arrangement of the gas-measuring device (20), and wherein the test station (10) is configured for feeding at least one test gas (30) to the interface (13).

Cations that can precipitate from an aqueous composition to produce scaling are sequestered by adding a multi-dentate ligand to the aqueous composition. The multi-dentate ligand bonds with the cation to form a non-scaling ionic complex; and the aqueous solution with the ionic complex is used in a process that produces substantially pure water from the aqueous composition, where the cation, absent formation of the ionic complex, is subject to scaling. The pH of the aqueous composition (or a brine including components of the aqueous composition) is then reduced to release the cation from the multi-dentate ligand; and the multi-dentate ligand, after the cation is released, is then reused in a predominantly closed loop.

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 who handle cargo at the Port of Oakland — one of the busiest US seaports — stopped work across the Bay Area today to protest against police brutality. Rallying near the gate of an idle port terminal, Bay Area longshore workers were joined by labor leaders representing BART train operators, city and county workers, port workers from Los Angeles, as well as hundreds of community members.

“There is an epidemic of police terror,” said Jack Heyman, a retired Oakland port worker.…

If you could get through the long line, the Oakland Autumn Lights Festival dazzled with both large- and small-scale light installations woven into the greenery at the Gardens at Lake Merritt.

A recent boxing showcase at a defunct West Oakland train station captured the historic spirit of the site. On Saturday June 11, Osric Pratt Promotions presented Unfinished Business, a showcase of Northern California boxing culture at the historic 16th Street train station in West Oakland. The event consisted of seven boxing matches, interspersed with hip-hop and poetry performances.…

Jay Stone looked at home as he took the stage in a burgundy bathrobe last Thursday at The Night Light, a bar near Jack London Square.…

Despite some growing pains, the fest successfully expanded into a ten-day concert series that highlighted outstanding local talent. Jay Stone looked at home as he took the stage in a burgundy bathrobe last Thursday at The Night Light, a bar near Jack London Square. He was headlining the seventh night of Oakland Music Festival, which dominated the local concert calendar from September 30 to October 9 with shows taking place at different venues every night.…

Kamaiyah, Ice Cube, How to Dress Well, and Sigur Rós played in the rain despite the many delays, cancelations, and technical difficulties. Treasure Island promised one of its best lineups yet for its tenth anniversary, but severe weather literally rained on everyone's parade. Many performances were delayed or canceled, often with little communication to the public on Saturday.…

'Don’t build technology for Mordor.' On Saturday at Peter Thiel’s San Francisco home overlooking the Bay, protesters demonstrated against a collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Palantir Technologies, a data-mining firm that Thiel co-founded. As reported in The Intercept, ICE will be using a new Palantir product called Investigative Case Management to to aid in its expanded deportation mission.…

ACT for America, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as an anti-muslim hate group, showed up on Saturday morning in cities nationwide, dubbing its protest a "March Against Sharia." Berkeley was spared, but the group appeared in nearby Santa Clara, and in Roseville, a suburb of Sacramento.…

The last time J Balvin was at Oracle arena was back on Feb. 15, 2015 when he was the opening act for Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias' joint tour. I was at that show with my mom as my date, and vividly remember her saying, “one day he’s going to headline his own tour here.” I brushed off her comment, it wasn’t that I didn’t believe that he was talented.…

The chamber of commerce is maintaining a list of local eateries still open for business. The Oakland Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of more than 175 Oakland restaurants offering takeout or home delivery. The City of Alameda had a similar idea, and has created a website listing about 85 restaurants.…

Oakland Restaurant Week is more than just about eating great food. The program, presented by Visit Oakland in partnership with See Eat Love, also celebrates the history of cuisine in The Town so that diners can learn the stories behind their meals and get rare peeks at behind-the-scenes events. ORW20 - 15sec from Visit Oakland on Vimeo. Oakland Restaurant Week is more than just about eating great food.…

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