Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: A method for conducting communications via a satellite includes providing a hub-spoke spot beam group. The hub-spoke spot beam group includes at least one fixed location spot beam illuminating a location containing a gateway terminal and at least one fixed location spot beam illuminating a location containing at least one user terminal. The satellite comprises a pathway associated with the hub-spoke spot beam group. At least one receive-side switch is sequentially switched to connect an input of the pathway with different spot beams within the hub-spoke spot beam group. At least one transmit-side switch is sequentially switched to connect an output of the pathway with different spot beams within the hub-spoke spot beam group. Beam switching patterns support both forward and return traffic within a frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of facilitating money transfers. The method includes receiving, at a money transfer system, access to a customer's account, establishing, at the money transfer system, a money transfer record including a recipient and an amount, and receiving, at the money transfer system, an identifier for the money transfer record. The method further includes receiving presentation of the identifier at an input device of the money transfer system and authorizing a money transfer associated with the money transfer record.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A system and method is described for editing, in its native application, a source file of an object or image in a first application, wherein the source file includes computer-readable code or script associated with the source file and editable in either the first or native applications. The first application graphically displays an edit option selectable by the user to launch the source file's native application. The native application opens the source file and code or script associated with the object or image in the first application. Within the workspace of the native application edit session, an end function or button is displayed to the user. Upon selection of the end function in the native application, the native application automatically saves the edited source file and associated code or script, sends the edited data to the first or calling application which then automatically reintegrates the edited source file and any edited script or code into the object or image associated therewith.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a semiconductor substrate to have a SOI structure by an epitaxial process for forming a gate while forming an insulating film pattern in a bottom where a device isolation trench is formed. The method thereby increases the process margin for forming a device isolation film and prevents the punch-through phenomenon to improve electrical characteristics of semiconductor devices and increase product yield.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol.

Abstract: Connectors that may allow SIM cards to be easily removed and replaced, may be resistant to damage by an improper insertion of a SIM card, and may provide reliable mechanical performance. One example may provide a plunger system where a user can push on a plunger rod and eject a SIM card. Another example may provide contacts that are not damaged by improper insertion of a SIM card.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for locating a lost remote control. The method includes receiving user input, at a controlled device, the user input requesting to locate a lost remote control for the controlled device. The method further includes lowering a volume of the output of content associated with the controlled device responsive to the user input and transmitting a message from the controlled device to the remote control, the message requesting the remote control to activate an indicator device (e.g., sound, visual, physical or the like) of the remote control.

Abstract: A surface plasmon enhanced light-emitting diode includes, from bottom to top, a substrate, an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a plurality of metal filler elements. The p-type semiconductor layer includes upper and lower surfaces, and the upper surface is recessed downward to form a plurality of spaced apart recesses for receiving the metal filler elements, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a head main body, an ink supply needle, a cartridge case, a filter which is nipped between the first ink supply path and the second ink supply path, an integral molding portion which integrally molds and bonds the ink supply needle and the cartridge case, and a rib which is arranged so as to extend into the second ink supply path continuously from a wall of the cartridge case along a line passing through a center of the filter in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which warpage of the integral molding portion is larger.

Abstract: An ink jet recording device comprises a main body equipped with an ink container, an ink supply pump ink, an ink recovery pump, and a control unit. A printing head equipped with a nozzle emits ink supplied from the main body as ink particles. An electrification electrode electrifies the ink particles and a deflection electrode deflects the electrified ink particles. A gutter collects ink particles which are not used for printing. An exhaust circulation path connects the ink container and the gutter. The gutter comprises two members of an ink flow path block in which ink flows and an exhaust flow path block in which exhaust solvent vapor flows.

Abstract: A method of assembling a plurality of frames including cell/packet-formatted data according to a predetermined frame format for transmission in a communication signal in a wireless or satellite environment. The method begins by assembling a data payload for each frame having a first variable size, including at least one of a partial data cell/packet and a complete data cell/packet. Then, for each frame a block code having a second variable size is generated for use in error correction. Each frame is provided with a frame header which defines aspects of the frame. Finally, the data payload, the block code and the format header are combined to form a frame corresponding to the plurality of frames, the format header defining a first portion of the frame, the data payload defining a second portion of the frame and the block code defining a third portion of the frame.

Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides an LCOS device having improved bonding pad features. The device has a substrate, a transistor layer overlying the substrate and an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the transistor layer. A first conductive layer is overlying the interlayer dielectric layer and a second interlayer dielectric layer is overlying the first conductive layer. An enlarged opening for a bonding pad structure is in a first portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer. A barrier metal layer is formed within the enlarged opening to form a liner that covers exposed regions of the enlarged opening. A metal material is overlying the liner to fill the enlarged opening. A thickness of an aluminum material is overlying the metal material. The device has a bonding pad structure formed from a first portion of the thickness of the aluminum material and is coupled to the metal material in the enlarged opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. The method involves mixing an RNA template with a composition having a reverse transcriptase, a DNA polymerase and a RT inhibition reducer. The RT inhibition reducer can be Sso7d, Sac7d, Sac7e, Sso7e, AluI methylase, suramin, a phosphorothioate oligodeoxycytosine, a phosphorothioate oligodeoxyadenine, a phosphorothioate oligodeoxythymine or poly(rA)(dT). The mixing forms a mixture that is incubated under conditions sufficient to synthesize a DNA molecule complementary to all or a portion of the RNA template, thereby amplifying the nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle safety device for a medical device. The needle safety device includes: a base portion having a bore extending therethrough for receiving a needle; and two opposing jaws extending from the base portion each having a head portion in the region of its free end. At least one of the head portions forms a locking shoulder for securing the needle safety device in a housing of the medical device. An elastic element surrounds the jaws in a region between the base portion and the head portions. The jaws can be spread apart against a restoring force of the elastic element in order to allow the needle received in the bore to extend all the way-through the needle safety device. The invention also relates to a needle for a medical device and to an intravenous catheter apparatus comprising a needle and a needle safety device.

Abstract: A shallow trench isolation structure for integrated circuits includes a semiconductor substrate having a trench and a buffered oxide layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. A pad nitride layer is overlying the buffered oxide layer. An implanted region is formed around a perimeter of the trench. The trench has a bottom width of less than 0.13 microns and an upper width of less than 0.13 microns. A rounded edge is surrounding a periphery of the trench. The rounded edge has a radius of curvature greater than about 0.02 um. A planarized high density plasma fill material is formed within the trench. The structure has a P-well region within the semiconductor substrate and bordering a vicinity of the trench region. A channel region is within the P-well region within the semiconductor substrate. The implanted region has an impurity concentration of more than double an amount of impurities in the channel region.

Abstract: Data storage and access systems enable downloading and paying for data such as audio and video data, text, software, games and other types of data. A portable data carrier has an interface for sending and receiving data, data memory for storing received content data, and payment validation memory for providing payment validation data to an external device. The carrier may also store a record of access made to the stored content, and content use rules for controlling access to the stored content. Embodiments store further access control data and supplementary data such as hot links to web sites and/or advertising data. A complementary data access terminal, data supply computer system, and data access device are also described. The combination of payment data and stored content data and use rule data helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data such as compressed music and video data, especially over the Internet.