Abstract: The disclosed and claimed subject matter relates to organometallic amidinate and guanidinate paddlewheel compounds, compositions containing the compounds and methods of using the compounds as precursors for deposition of metal-containing films.

Abstract: A display may have a pixel array such as a liquid crystal pixel array. The pixel array may be illuminated with backlight illumination from a direct-lit backlight unit. The backlight unit may include an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on a printed circuit board. The display may have a notch to accommodate an input-output component. Reflective layers may be included in the notch. The backlight may include a color conversion layer with a property that varies as a function of position. The light-emitting diodes may be covered by a slab of encapsulant with recesses in an upper surface.

Abstract: A method of putting a first gateway device into service, the first gateway device having an application service module and a network module enabling communications between the first gateway device and the activation manager, the application service module residing on a user premises side of a network service provider demarcation. The method comprises identifying, at the first gateway device disposed at a user premises, an activation manager in communication with the first gateway device, transmitting, from the first gateway device, an activation certificate to the activation manager for verification and authentication, generating a service authentication key associated with the first gateway device, storing the service authentication key and an indication that the associated gateway device status is activated in a database, determining the services available to the first gateway device, and transmitting the service authentication key and an identification of the available services to the first gateway device.

Abstract: A method of putting a first gateway device into service, the first gateway device having an application service module and a network module enabling communications between the first gateway device and the activation manager, the application service module residing on a user premises side of a network service provider demarcation. The method comprises identifying, at the first gateway device disposed at a user premises, an activation manager in communication with the first gateway device, transmitting, from the first gateway device, an activation certificate to the activation manager for verification and authentication, generating a service authentication key associated with the first gateway device, storing the service authentication key and an indication that the associated gateway device status is activated in a database, determining the services available to the first gateway device, and transmitting the service authentication key and an identification of the available services to the first gateway device.

Abstract: A device is provided for playing a stringed instrument such as a guitar through use of one hand. Two foot pedals are provided with cables attached to a structure mounted on the stringed instrument. One pedal controls the pick movement across the strings of the instrument while the other pedal engages and disengages the pick as well as controls the intensity of strum. The device allows a person having use of only one hand to strum or pluck a stringed instrument with versatility and quality sound. The device is light in weight and may be set up in a short period of time because such device is simple but reliable and may be used with a variety of instruments having from one through twelve strings. The device is designed primarily for a disabled individual, but could also be used by a talented musician who wishes to play more than one instrument at a time.