The Exclusion of Regions Method (TERM) and Concurrent Gradients Method (CGM) for multi-objective optimization of objective functions considered in a multi-dimensional domain are provided. TERM decomposes the domain into a set of non-intersecting sub-regions, and applies a special criterion to each sub-region to determine if it does not contain Pareto-points. Non-prospective sub-regions are filtered out, while prospective ones are used for generating points-candidates, and their improvement by a ...

A capacitive transducer apparatus converts mechanical force to electrical signal parameters by change of spacing between plates of a plurality of capacitors. The apparatus has two mechanical components. The first component includes an articulating member such as a post surrounded by a first capacitive plate. Means are provided for causing the articulating member to articulate responsive to user manipulation thereof, and thereafter, to return to a quiescent position. The second component includes...

A system for the measurement of high aspect ratio trenches. The preferred embodiment consists of three elements: a) an integrated microscope and optical height sensor, b) an axially dispersive, afocal lens system, which is included in the optical height sensor, and c) an algorithm for processing the optical height sensor data to produce the depth of the high aspect ratio trench. The present invention combines a traditional imaging microscope with a chromatic confocal, single point, height sensor...

A verbal classification system and method for the efficient sending and receiving of desired information is described. Web-site proprietors (314) and Internet marketers provide a host server (320) with descriptive data about their web-sites and messages (336) according to a predefined verbal hierarchy of nouns, verbs and modifiers. An Internet user creates a role or roles (340) that describes desired information according to the same predefined verbal hierarchy of nouns, verbs, and modifiers and...

A Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System based on a unique Lobster Eye (LE) structure, X-ray generator, scintillator-based detector and cooled CCD (or Intensified CCD) for real-time, safe, staring Compton backscatter X-ray detection of objects hidden under ground, in containers, behind walls, bulkheads etc. In contrast to existing scanning pencil beam systems, Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging System's true focusing X-ray optics simultaneously acquire ballistic Compton backscattering photons (CBPs) from an en...

A pedal with a shaft fixed to the pedal body instead of a spindle that turns relative to the pedal body. The shaft is fixed relative to the pedal body. The pedal shaft rotates relative to the crank arm instead. A sealed cartridge ball bearing is mounted to the end of a crank arm and held in position by a retainer. The shaft is fitted through the sealed cartridge ball bearing of the crank arm and a screw secures the shaft in position. This changes the pedal to crank interface. The pedal does not ...

A method and apparatus for beneficially controlling the impact between a club head and a golf ball are described. A golf club head (such as on a driver, iron, or putter) has a body and a face mechanically supported thereon, wherein the face and body are elastically tailored to create beneficial face motion and deformation at impact. The tailored clubhead compliance is shown to influence impact properties and resulting ball parameters such as speed, direction and spin rates resulting from the imp...

An apparatus which may be used to convert conventional length putters to long putters while also providing an adjustment feature over a large range to accommodate virtually all golfers who wish to use long putters which have the precise length suited to their individual needs. The preferred embodiment comprises a first extension shaft which is a hollow tube inserted into the upper end of the conventional putter shaft after an end portion of the grip has been removed to reveal the upper end. The ...

A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller. Three alternative embodiments are illustrated and discussed herein. In one such embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at spec...

An implantable artificial heart apparatus which has no moving parts. It employs the technology of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to induce flow of human blood. An MHD propulsion unit is a device which applies magnetic and electric fields to blood to propel the conductive fluid through the body's circulatory system. Electricity is passed through the blood via electrodes at the same junction where the blood is exposed to the magnetic field. Charged ions that move from anode to cathode create their own...