Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced functionality and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box system, first and second set-top boxes each include a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, a wireless transceiver, memory, and storage communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. Each of the set-top boxes is connected to a display, such as a television. A syndication profile associated with the set-top boxes enables a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control both displays via each of the set-top boxes.

Abstract: A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor, memory, and a camera. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network and, under certain conditions, the thermostat may provide a video feed.

Abstract: A hospitality property management tool and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, set-top boxes are located in respective rooms at a hospitality establishment. The set-top boxes are joined in network communication with environmental amenities, such as lights and a thermostat that respectively control lighting and temperature. The set-top boxes utilize an unoccupied room profile and occupied room profile to set the environmental conditions, such as lighting and temperature, in the rooms. A guest preference profile may be activated within a room to provide guest-specific environmental conditions in the room associated with the guest.

Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

Abstract: A set-top box with self-monitoring and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, a housing secures a television input, a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, which are communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. The memory is accessible to the processor, and the memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to detect when the television is not being utilized. Responsive thereto, the instructions cause the processor to scan channels received from the television input and generate a composite TV screen image data that may be resolved to a single TV screen image made from an assemblage of TV screen image captures corresponding to the scanned channels.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) memory device includes an array of storage cells configured into multiple banks. Interface circuitry receives refresh commands from a host memory controller to refresh the multiple banks for a first refresh mode. On-die refresh control circuitry selectively generates local refresh commands to refresh the multiple banks in cooperation with the host memory controller during a designated hidden refresh interval in a second refresh mode. Mode register circuitry stores a value indicating whether the on-die refresh control circuitry is enabled for use during the second refresh mode. The interface circuitry includes backchannel control circuitry to transmit a corrective action control signal during operation in the second refresh mode.

Abstract: A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of thermostats is provided and each thermostat includes an identification corresponding to a room in which the thermostat is placed. Each thermostat includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon signal that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of thermostat identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. A location of the proximate wireless-enabled programmable interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.

Abstract: An interconnected stack of one or more Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) die has a base logic die and one or more custom logic or processor die. The processor logic die snoops commands sent to and through the stack. In particular, the processor logic die may snoop mode setting commands (e.g., mode register set—MRS commands). At least one mode setting command that is ignored by the DRAM in the stack is used to communicate a command to the processor logic die. In response the processor logic die may prevent commands, addresses, and data from reaching the DRAM die(s). This enables the processor logic die to send commands/addresses and communicate data with the DRAM die(s). While being able to send commands/addresses and communicate data with the DRAM die(s), the processor logic die may execute software using the DRAM die(s) for program and/or data storage and retrieval.

Abstract: A processor-based system utilized by a consumer may be controlled and managed by a service provider for the benefit of a retail vendor. The service provider may control the content that is displayed on the client system. For example, the service provider may control the initial sets of graphical user interfaces that are provided to enable the consumer to make service selections. In addition, the consumer may be asked for information that enables the system to customize subsequent information provided to the consumer. As a result, the consumer's processor-based system may be remotely managed and controlled to facilitate communications between a particular retail vendor and a consumer.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for preparing concentrated emulsions of organic compounds which are recalcitrant to aqueous solubilization. The compositions are useful for increasing the practical utility of aqueous-recalcitrant compounds for a variety of established functions. The highly concentrated emulsions are prepared through a two step mixing process. The invention is exemplified by preparation of stable saponin-based emulsions containing greater than 50% by weight benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, cedryl acetate, D- or L-limonene, cinnamic aldehyde, and vanillin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for controlling a pest population using one or more carboxy ester compounds which comprise aromatic acids, aliphatic acids, and/or salicylate derivatives. The invention embodiments disclosed herein are intended for the control of pests such as plant pests and agricultural pests. These pest control methods are helpful in controlling pests by contacting pests with the carboxy ester compounds of the invention. The subject methods will reduce the detrimental environmental impact and health hazards of pest control by minimizing the toxicity of the subject compositions.

Abstract: Thermal transfer ribbons with large wax or thermoplastic resin particles within the thermal transfer layer provide a profiled surface which resists transfer of the layer to reverse side of the ribbon when wound onto itself and stored. The large particles preferably have an average diameter in the range of 5 to 20 microns and the thermal transfer layers preferably have an average thickness of less than the average diameter of these large particles. Where the large particles have higher softening temperatures in the range of 50° to 150° C., the energy needed to transfer the thermal transfer layer is reduced.

Abstract: Thermal transfer ribbons having a polyester substrate which employ paper leaders and/or paper trailers with printed indicia thereon such as marking which identify the thermal transfer ribbon and instructions for its use. The paper having a stiffness greater than the polyester substrate can be used as a leader and/or trailer for the thermal transfer ribbons. The paper leaders and trailers can be colored to provide further identification of the thermal transfer ribbons.

Abstract: A thermal transfer medium which forms images with high speed thermal transfer printers is provided which comprises a substrate, a first coating comprised of at least 75 wt. % of a wax, a second coating comprising a sensible material such as a pigment and a binder resin with high hot tack properties in an amount of at least 20 wt. % based on total dry components and an optional third coating which does not contain any coloring agent. The first coating has a melt viscosity and cohesion lower than that of the second coating and preferably lower hot tack properties to simplify complete transfer to a receiving substrate. The coating formulation provides high adhesion to a receiving substrate with reduced adhesion to the flexible substrate of the thermal transfer medium, allowing for rapid transfer to a receiving substrate as required with high speed thermal transfer printers.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a coating formulation and thermal transfer medium and printer which provide printed images in a range of colors by employing thermal dye systems in the thermal transfer layers that form the images. The thermal dye systems contain at least two reactive dyes which react at different temperatures, an activator for the reactive dyes and optionally, a sensitizer for the reactive dyes. The use of multiple reactive dyes enables a range of colors to be produced from one thermal transfer ribbon using either a multihead thermal printer or a single head thermal printer operating at different print head energies.

Abstract: Smear and scratch resistant thermally transferable printing ribbons and methods of making the same consisting of elongated backing elements having thermally transferable printing media adhered to one side thereof. The thermally transferable printing media preferably consists of two layers, a sub coat layer and a print layer, and is capable of being transferred to paper, or some other print receiving media, by conventional thermal transfer printing equipment. The use of a silicon compound and/or ethylene bisstearamide and/or micronized polyethylene in the sub coat layer provides enhanced smear and scratch resistance in thermally transferred printed images while maintaining the advantage of low thermal energy print transfer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer medium which forms images having a matte finish is provided which comprises a substrate, a thin first coating and a thick second coating. The coatings are formulated such that only the second coating transfers to a receiving substrate upon exposure to a thermal print head leaving the first coating positioned on the substrate. Separation of the two coatings provides images with a matte finish. The first coating has a higher softening point than the second coating and in preferred embodiments, the binder resin in the first coating provides higher adhesion to the substrate than the binder resin in the second coating.

Abstract: A facsimile security system includes a base sheet capable of having confidential information thereon and a cover sheet with imprinting thereon for obscuring the confidential information on the base sheet. The imprinting comprises lines in a repeated pattern over the cover sheet and the lines are separated by spaces without imprinting which spaces extend across the cover sheet or in an elongated direction of the cover sheet. The spaces may extend in a diagonal direction on the cover sheet or the spaces may extend only partially across the cover sheet in a repeated pattern. The cover sheet is preprinted in a preferred form of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy conversion device for converting stored liquids and potential energy into rotational and kinetic energy, which is provided with a plurality of ballast tanks disposed about a wheel in a ferris-wheel manner with each tank alternately filling with and discharging liquid at the top and bottom of its travel.