Abstract: Provided herein are sustained release biodegradable ocular hydrogel implants which are useful for lowering ocular pressure and for treating related conditions.

Abstract: The description relates to enhancing computer performance, such as by decreasing latency associated with storage operations. One example can include recoverable processes. Each recoverable process can be configured to periodically write log records to individual storage partitions. Each log record includes a vector timestamp that describes the processes' dependencies on log records of other recoverable processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, distributing, and/or presenting social networking content in conjunction with video content are described. In accordance with various embodiments, social networking related information, e.g., comments, remarks and/or a twitter feed, are displayed in conjunction with the display of video to which the social networking information relates. The social networking related information may be displayed on the same or a different device from that which is used to display the video comments. In some embodiments, the social networking information, e.g., comments on a program, event or broadcast, are displayed on a personal computer or other device such as a mobile telephone, while video content is being viewed, e.g., on a television which is provided video content via a set top box. A knowledgeable moderator can review, supplement, add and delete comments in real time enhancing the overall social networking session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, distributing, and/or presenting social networking content in conjunction with video content are described. In accordance with various embodiments, social networking related information, e.g., comments, remarks and/or a twitter feed, are displayed in conjunction with the display of video to which the social networking information relates. The social networking related information may be displayed on the same or a different device from that which is used to display the video comments. In some embodiments, the social networking information, e.g., comments on a program, event or broadcast, are displayed on a personal computer or other device such as a mobile telephone, while video content is being viewed, e.g., on a television which is provided video content via a set top box. A knowledgeable moderator can review, supplement, add and delete comments in real time enhancing the overall social networking session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, distributing, and/or presenting social networking content in conjunction with video content are described. In accordance with various embodiments, social networking related information, e.g., comments, remarks and/or a twitter feed, are displayed in conjunction with the display of video to which the social networking information relates. The social networking related information may be displayed on the same or a different device from that which is used to display the video comments. In some embodiments, the social networking information, e.g., comments on a program, event or broadcast, are displayed on a personal computer or other device such as a mobile telephone, while video content is being viewed, e.g., on a television which is provided video content via a set top box. A knowledgeable moderator can review, supplement, add and delete comments in real time enhancing the overall social networking session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, distributing, and/or presenting social networking content in conjunction with video content are described. In accordance with various embodiments, social networking related information, e.g., comments, remarks and/or a twitter feed, are displayed in conjunction with the display of video to which the social networking information relates. The social networking related information may be displayed on the same or a different device from that which is used to display the video comments. In some embodiments, the social networking information, e.g., comments on a program, event or broadcast, are displayed on a personal computer or other device such as a mobile telephone, while video content is being viewed, e.g., on a television which is provided video content via a set top box. A knowledgeable moderator can review, supplement, add and delete comments in real time enhancing the overall social networking session.

Abstract: A shieldable needle assembly of the present invention includes an elongate needle with a proximal and a distal end that has an outside surface and a hollow bore therethrough. The assembly has a hub fixedly attached at the proximal end of the needle for attaching the assembly to a fluid handling device so that the bore of the needle is in fluid communication with the fluid handling device. The assembly has a guard disposed for selective slidable movement on the needle between a proximal position wherein the distal end of the needle is exposed and a distal position wherein the distal end of the needle is substantially protected from inadvertent exposure. The guard has a passageway therethrough sized to form a substantially fluid tight seal about the outside surface of the needle.

Abstract: A smart electronic receipt system that provides intelligent receipts, called Smart Receipts, that electronically document a transaction between two parties and maintains a persistent connection between the two parties following a successful online transaction. A Trusted Agent on the Buyer's client system creates an order record which is stored in a database on a Trusted Agent Server and starts the transaction process with the merchant. A Smart Receipt is delivered by a Smart Receipt Agent over a secure connection from the merchant to the Trusted Agent Server upon successful completion of a purchase and reflects the details of the transaction. It is stored in a secure database on the Trusted Agent Server and is made available to the Buyer (user) through a Trusted Agent located on his machine. The Trusted Agent Server compares the order record Limited Edition Digital Objects (LEDOs) stored in database with the Smart Receipt's LEDO to find the corresponding order record.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing and supporting an autonomous software agent that assists the user during a web browsing or navigation session on a computer network are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the agent operates in a limited, unobtrusive mode wherein the agent notifies the user that a command option may exist and allows the user the option to launch the full functionality of the browsing agent.

Abstract: A smart electronic receipt system that provides intelligent receipts, called Smart Receipts, that electronically document a transaction between two parties and maintains a persistent connection between the two parties following a successful online transaction. A Trusted Agent on the Buyer's client system creates an order record which is stored in a database on a Trusted Agent Server and starts the transaction process with the merchant. A Smart Receipt is delivered by a Smart Receipt Agent over a secure connection from the merchant to the Trusted Agent Server upon successful completion of a purchase and reflects the details of the transaction. It is stored in a secure database on the Trusted Agent Server and is made available to the Buyer (user) through a Trusted Agent located on his machine. The Trusted Agent Server compares the order record Limited Edition Digital Objects (LEDOs) stored in database with the Smart Receipt's LEDO to find the corresponding order record.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for storing and validating electronic tickets for multiple venues on a single smart card. In accordance with this present embodiment, an operating system of the smart card includes a Java Virtual Machine and an applet loader key. A shared applet, including a venue loader key, is validated with the applet loader key and is stored on the smart card. One or more venue applets are also stored on the smart card, each with a venue key corresponding to an associated venue. Each venue applet is validated by the applet loader key and the venue loader key. The shared applet is used by the venue applets to interface with ticket loaders and ticket validation devices. Tickets are purchased for events associated with the venue applets and are stored on the smart card in association with the related venue applets. Ticket signatures are authenticated with each venue applet's venue key. A ticket is cancelled after being tendered to gain admittance to an event.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical device having a plastic cylinder that is uniquely decorated. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved scale on a plastic syringe containing protruding volume measuring scale marks and indicia. These protrusions provide tactile sensation of the scale and slip-resistant holding of the syringe barrel. Both the plastic syringe barrel and scale can be formed separately, and then attached to each other. Methods of apply the scale in this manner include overmolding, and heat welding. The plastic syringe and improved scale can also be formed simultaneously using co-injection molding methods. Advantages of forming a scale on the plastic syringe using any of the techniques described above includes eliminating secondary operations such as printing, and permanently and accurately positioning the scale. Different thermoplastic and elastomeric materials and colors can also be used to form the scale. Another advantage is that the scale can be formed to 360.degree.

Abstract: The present invention involves a container having a metered dispensing unit at its outlet, which can simply be opened and poured with assured metered dispensing. The container dispensing unit has a loading chamber, a loading chamber fill port, a dispensing chamber, a dispensing chamber outlet port and a connecting orifice. The loading chamber is located at least partly adjacent to the dispensing chamber. The loading chamber fill port is located at an upper portion of the loading chamber such that when the loading chamber is tipped for pouring, liquid in the container may fill the loading chamber. The connecting orifice connects a lower portion of the loading chamber with a lower portion of the dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is connected to the container main body for liquid flow thereto from the container only via the loading chamber. The dispensing chamber outlet port is located at the top of both the dispensing chamber and the dispensing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a material dispensing container that uses a flexible band to drive a piston within a storage container. The band is so formed so that it can be easily wound or folded within a small area at the bottom of the storage container. The band is connected to a piston within the container, and the movement of the band forces materials stored above the piston to be dispensed through any dispensing orifice at the top of the container. The band drives the piston by being forced through a tapered conduit. The passage of the band through the conduit, orients the band and causes the band to loose some of its flexibility. The stiffened band is then used to drive the piston. The passage of the band through the tapered conduit also orients the band so that extensions, stemming from the band, can be engaged and forwardly advanced by the user.

Abstract: A piston valving and seal mechanism is for a fluid shock absorbing device. A piston is mountable on a piston rod of the device. The piston has an outer periphery, rebound chamber face and compression chamber face. A piston seal is movably mounted in a groove where the piston rebound chamber face and outer periphery meet. The seal is adjacent compression passages in the outer periphery. A seal retainer plate along the piston rebound chamber face with a backing spring bias the seal. The plate is raised from the rebound chamber face and includes passages through the plate for fluid flow through the plate and into underlying recoil passages in the piston. The seal acts as a check valve for the compression passages. A separate recoil passage valve plate on the compression chamber face, with a backing spring, acts as a valve for the recoil passages.