Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments are directed to a streamlined computer device and a graphical user interface that organizes interface elements into views of computer content for presentation to a user. Various views of digital media content permits users to easily and efficiently access various digital media content. Different views are used to provide an interface that is responsive to configurations of the device and responsive to activity being performed by the user. Aspects include permitting the user to maintain and manage digital media content libraries. According to some embodiments, the libraries comprise user digital media content and references digital media content. Functionality provided to a user can be tailored to the type of content displayed, accessed and/or managed. According to various aspects, methods and systems are provided for accessing and managing digital media libraries on a streamlined computing device with a plurality selectable I/O profiles.

Abstract: Techniques and architectures may be used to provide an environment for a speech-based intelligent user assistant (IUA) having a flexible operating system that is based, at least in part, on the context of interaction of a user of a computing system with the computing system. Such a flexible operating system may allow for non-obtrusive communication of the IUA with the user. Thus, for example, a user may communicate with the IUA without interrupting their other activities on the computer, such as playing a video game.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a handling system and method for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading from, loading to and storing a smaller vehicle or body aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system includes a cradle for supporting a smaller vehicle or body therein. The cradle is mounted to a carrier vehicle or structure and is configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which a smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system also includes at least one linear actuator for driving movement of the cradle between said tilted position and said level position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a handling system and method for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading from, loading to and storing a smaller vehicle or body aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system includes a cradle for supporting a smaller vehicle or body therein. The cradle is mounted to a carrier vehicle or structure and is configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which a smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system also includes at least one linear actuator for driving movement of the cradle between said tilted position and said level position.

Abstract: A method for controlling an interactive experience includes receiving local control inputs at a computing device facilitating the interactive experience and providing the local control inputs to the interactive experience, the control inputs being provided by a first input device associated with a primary experience participant. Audiovisual content associated with the interactive experience is provided to a plurality of remote viewer computing devices over a network. The computing device receives a command to initiate control sharing with a remote viewer and, over the network, receives remote control inputs from a second input device associated with the remote viewer, the second input device being physically distinct from the first input device. The remote control inputs are provided to the interactive experience as if the remote control inputs had originated from the first input device, the first input device still being associated with the primary experience participant.

Abstract: Techniques and architectures may be used to provide an environment for a speech-based intelligent user assistant (IUA) having a flexible operating system that is based, at least in part, on the context of interaction of a user of a computing system with the computing system. Such a flexible operating system may allow for non-obtrusive communication of the IUA with the user. Thus, for example, a user may communicate with the IUA without interrupting their other activities on the computer, such as playing a video game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for generating and invoking voice-triggered macros are disclosed herein. A buffer is configured to receive sensor data for one or more sensors. The sensor data reflects user actions. A macro generator is configured to receive a command to initiate creation of a voice-triggered macro and determine macro actions for inclusion in the voice-triggered macro based on the sensor data in the buffer. The macro generator is also configured to assign a speech key to the voice-triggered macro. When audio input is determined to match the speech key of the voice-triggered macro, the macro actions are performed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for generating and invoking voice-triggered macros are disclosed herein. A buffer is configured to receive sensor data for one or more sensors. The sensor data reflects user actions. A macro generator is configured to receive a command to initiate creation of a voice-triggered macro and determine macro actions for inclusion in the voice-triggered macro based on the sensor data in the buffer. The macro generator is also configured to assign a speech key to the voice-triggered macro. When audio input is determined to match the speech key of the voice-triggered macro, the macro actions are performed.

Abstract: It is of utmost importance an embedded tick is removed promptly after attachment, without causing distress to prevent possible infection from harmful diseases. Problems are created when the cheliceral digits (ref #17) and barbed hypostome (ref #18) are disassociated and left within the host's dermis. The Medically Inspired Tick Removal Instrument is able to remove the entire tick. The tick engaging portion includes a “u-groove” (ref #8) and an anterior framework (ref #5) which close upon each other to trap the tick. The triangle-shaped base (ref #9) includes a specifically designed hemispherically protruding ball (ref #7) which causes it to release its grip from within the host's dermis. Ergonomic thumb and finger locators (ref #11 & 12) facilitate the use of the tool in a comfortable position suitable for use by either hand. The tick is easily removed by a gentle lifting motion of the tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mechanically reinforced plated through-holes (PTH) in PCBs, which advantageously allow improved soldering capabilities and reliability, are described herein. Such systems and methods are achieved by reducing the heat sinking effects of PTHs by providing one or more vias surrounding the PTHs to provide an electrical connection between the PTH and the internal and bottom conductive layers of a PCB. In this regard, the PTHs are spaced apart from at least one of the internal conductive layers (e.g., ground or power layers), so the heat sinking effects are reduced. This feature enables molten solder to substantially fill the entire PTH before freezing, thereby improving the mechanical and electrical connection between an electrical component and the PCB. One or more electrically-nonfunctional lands (or “rib reinforcements”) are provided in internal conductive layers to mechanically support the walls of the PCB.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes an input terminal for receiving a power input having a first voltage level, and an output terminal for generating a power output. A reference signal having a second voltage level is derived from the first voltage level adjusted with a predetermined offset value for controlling the power output to be at a third voltage level proportional to the second voltage level.

Abstract: It is of utmost importance that an imbedded tick is removed promptly after attachment and without causing distress to prevent possible infection from harmful diseases ticks carry. Further problems are created when the mouthparts are disassociated and left within the host's dermis. The Tick Removal Instrument is able to reliably remove the tick, including the mouthparts, without provoking the parasite to expel fluids into the host. The tick engaging portion includes a “vee groove” and a pointing prong which close upon each other to trap the tick. The pointing prong includes a specifically designed part which paralyzes the tick and causes it to release its grip from within the host's dermis. Ergonomic thumb and finger locators facilitate the use of the tool in a comfortable position suitable for use by either hand. The tick is easily removed by a gentle motion of the tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mechanically reinforced plated through-holes (PTH) in PCBs, which advantageously allow improved soldering capabilities and reliability, are described herein. Such systems and methods are achieved by reducing the heat sinking effects of PTHs by providing one or more vias surrounding the PTHs to provide an electrical connection between the PTH and the internal and bottom conductive layers of a PCB. In this regard, the PTHs are spaced apart from at least one of the internal conductive layers (e.g., ground or power layers), so the heat sinking effects are reduced. This feature enables molten solder to substantially fill the entire PTH before freezing, thereby improving the mechanical and electrical connection between an electrical component and the PCB. One or more electrically-nonfunctional lands (or “rib reinforcements”) are provided in internal conductive layers to mechanically support the walls of the PCB.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes an input terminal for receiving a power input having a first voltage level, and an output terminal for generating a power output. A reference signal having a second voltage level is derived from the first voltage level adjusted with a predetermined offset value for controlling the power output to be at a third voltage level proportional to the second voltage level.

Abstract: A probe head for testing devices formed on a semiconductor wafer includes a plurality of probe DUT (device under test) arrays. Each device under test includes pads that are urged into pressure contact with probes in a corresponding probe DUT array. The probe arrays patterns have discontinuities such as indentations, protuberances, islands and openings that are opposite at least one device when the probes contact the pads.

Abstract: A method and system to facilitate sharing of information amongst users comprises assessing a degree of commonality between each of the users. Once a degree of commonality between the users is assessed, information is shared amongst the users having an assessed degree of commonality greater than a predetermined degree of commonality. In this way, the information being shared is most likely to be useful because it is being shared by users having common traits and characteristics. The degree of commonality can be assessed by comparing areas of interest of the users. The information on the areas of interest may comprise search criteria independently developed by each user to search for information or utilize resources in a network. The degree of commonality may also be assessed by recording each occurrence when a user accepted or did not accept information obtained from each other user.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed that will allow a user to place an Easter egg in an upright position and have the Easter egg stay in an upright position without any external means of support. The present invention would comprise an Easter egg and a weight that would be strategically placed within the Easter egg. The egg would comprise two halves, an upper half and a lower half. Both the upper half and the lower half of the egg of the present invention would have an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous hot-dip coating of metal strip is provided. The apparatus includes a first coating pot to hold a molten bath of a first coating metal and a first metal heating means to heat the bath of molten metal in the first pot. The apparatus also includes a second coating pot to hold a molten bath of a second coating metal, which second pot is shallow in relation to the first pot and is positionable within an upper part of the first but removable therefrom, and a second metal heating means operable to heat the molten bath of metal in the second pot.