Abstract: System and method for keeping inventories of sensitive data that has been shared with external entities. The system and method may be used particularly for identifying a source of an unauthorized release of sensitive data.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by the controls. In response to user manipulation of the controls, the accessory sends the function codes to the portable electronic device that cause the device to perform the requested function. Preferably, the accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car auxiliary power outlet and has the controls on the protruding face of the charger body. The accessory may also include an FM transmitter for transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device to the car stereo.

Abstract: A connector uses complimentary magnetic arrays and mating surfaces on its plug and receptacle to facilitate connection and disconnection of the connector. The plug includes a magnetic array wherein the polarity of the magnets facing the receptacle when the plug and receptacle are connected is selected such that they can only be mated with a complimentary magnetic array on the receptacle when the plug has a desired orientation with respect to the receptacle. The plug and receptacle also have mechanical mating surfaces on their circumference that are shaped such that the plug and the receptacle can only be connected with the desired orientation. The plug can be separated from the receptacle by rotating the plug with respect to the receptacle such that the mechanical mating surfaces break the magnetic connection between the complimentary magnetic arrays.

Abstract: An adjustable member allows a docking connector for a portable electronic device to accommodate devices having different dimensions. The docking connector is designed to physically and electrically couple to the portable electronic device. The adjustable member alters a distance between a supporting sidewall of the docking connector and an electrical connector that couples to the portable electronic device. The adjust member is preferably a threaded shaft having a support pad for supporting a surface of the portable electronic device. A rotating knob allows a user to extend or retract the support pad on the shaft to engage the side of the portable electronic device. Thus, the docking connector can accommodate devices having different dimensions.

Abstract: A charging accessory for a portable electronic device has an input/output port for providing electrical connections to an input/output port of the device. The accessory includes a charger for charging the battery of the portable electronic device and a discharging circuit for discharging the battery of the device. A processor in the accessory determines when the device battery is fully charged and fully discharged. A time stamp associated with a charging/discharging cycle and device identification information identifying the particular device upon which the charging cycle was performed is stored in a memory of the accessory. The charging accessory then automatically performs a discharging/charging operation for the device according to a predetermined schedule to recalibrate a battery level display of the device whenever the accessory is coupled to the device.

Abstract: A pen or stylus for use with a finger activated computer touchpad uses capacitively coupled voltage signals to simulate the capacitive effect of a finger on the touchpad. In addition, the pen has buttons that can be utilized to capacitively couple control signals to the touchpad that are interpreted by application software as specific user-defined inputs. The pen has a conductive tip that is placed into contact with the touchpad. By biasing the touchpad electrodes with a properly timed voltage signal, the pen alters the charging time of the electrodes in the touchpad. This alteration in charging time is interpreted by the touchpad as a change in capacitance due to the presence of a user's finger. Thus, the pen can be used with touchpads that were designed to only detect finger movements.

Abstract: A holder for a digital audio player such as an Apple iPOD™ is designed to fit in a standard sized cup holder. The holder is configured to support the digital audio player at an easy to read angle and provides a slot for a cable such as a power cable to extend from the holder. The holder is constructed from relatively soft compressible foam that conforms to different sized cup holders and protects the digital audio player from damage. A plurality of support portions allows the holder to support various size digital audio players.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the treatment and elimination of chronic intracellular infections in cells or organisms. The compositions may include one or more acidic substances and one or more antimicrobial substances, administered in combination or separately. The methods may include administering an amount of one or more such compositions to an infected cell or organism for a period of time ranging from days to years, until the infection is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: The process and system of the embodiments utilize a reactive separation unit to upgrade a bioprocess intermediate stream to higher value liquid fuels or chemicals. The reactive separation unit simultaneously enables molecular weight and density increases, oxygen content reduction, efficient process energy integration, optional water separation for potential reuse, and incorporation of additional hydrocarbons or oxygenated hydrocarbons as co-feed(s). The use and selection of particular co-feed(s) for this purpose enables tailoring of the intended product composition. The process and system yields a product of higher alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, or a combination of these. These can be split into two (or more) boiling point fractions by the same reactive separations unit operation resulting in product(s) that can be used as chemicals, chemical intermediates, or alternative (non-fossil-based) liquid transportation fuels.

Abstract: A method and system for the production of valuable chemicals or alternative liquid fuels via an integrated biomass conversion and upgrading process is disclosed. The process integrates three subcomponent processes, capturing the desirable attributes of each: zoned partial oxidation, alcohol production, and gas-to-liquids reformation. The method and system may include reacting gasification intermediates—e.g., syngas from zoned partial oxidation, with bioprocessing intermediates—e.g., aqueous ethanol from alcohol production in a reactive separation to produce a product(s) of higher alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, or a combination of these. The product(s) can be split into two (or more) boiling point fractions by the same reactive separations unit operation.

Abstract: An adapter for connection to an earphone or headphone having a speaker which is housed in a relatively rigid casing utilizes an elongated hollow body having two open ends. One open end of the body is adapted to be positioned about the relatively rigid speaker casing of the earphone or headphone for connection thereto, and the other open end of the body is adapted to be positioned within the ear of a user. The hollow body has an interior shape which is shaped to conduct sound emitted from the speaker casing toward and through the other open end of the body.

Abstract: A lock system for casement windows is disclosed which includes a tie bar slidably secured to the flame. The tie bat is secured to a lock handle that is also secured to the flame. The tie bat eliminates the need for rollers riveted to the tie bar by having a first bent section disposed between straight sections and a second bent section disposed between straight sections. All of the straight sections are linearly aligned with one another and at least some of the straight sections of the tie bar are slidably mounted to the flame using conventional guides. The lock system also includes first and second strikers mounted to the sash. The first striker comprising a first ramp that receives a first bent section and the second striker comprising a second ramp that receives a second bent section when the tie bat is slidably moved towards the first and second strikers as the tie bar is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: Provided are processes for the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite. In these processes, ilmenite is digested with aqueous ammonium hydrogen oxalate. Iron from the ilmenite precipitates as a hydrated iron oxalate and is removed by filtering, leaving a titanium-rich solution. The titanium-rich solution can be further processed to form titanium dioxide.