Abstract: A method for use in computer graphics includes receiving data defining an explicit surface representation of three-dimensional (3D) geometry and casting a ray into the explicit surface representation. For each point where the ray intersects the explicit surface, a direction of the ray is compared to a direction of a surface normal of the explicit surface at that point, and then a count is incremented or decremented based on a first rule that uses a result of the comparison at that point. Then, for one or more voxels corresponding to the ray, data is generated for each voxel that indicates the voxel is either inside or outside of the explicit surface based on a second rule that uses a value of the count at that voxel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.

Abstract: Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a cover for an electronic device is provided. A plurality of templates associated with a plurality of electronic devices are provided. A client may select a template. The client may create and edit images on the template associated with a model of an electronic device. The method including printing or manufacturing the customized cover using the template.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new amide compound and salt thereof that is capable of inhibiting biofilm formation or removing deposited biofilms. The present invention also provides a biofilm formation inhibitor or a biofilm remover containing the amide compound or salt thereof as an active ingredient. An amide compound or salt thereof according to the present invention is denoted by General Formula (1): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R2 is a C5-12 alkyl group, and Q is a substituent denoted by Formula (Q1) or (Q2), wherein n and m are 0 or 1.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of spatial objects of a fleece or felt, wherein the fibers are deposited on a mold that is preferably air-permeable. The fibers may be attracted to the mold by a vacuum applied to the underside of said mold. Preferably, the mold has several spatial structures that define the shape of the fiber web that is being formed and that correspond at least approximately to the desired final shape. By subsequent compacting of the thusly obtained fiber web, a spatially three-dimensional felt object is obtained. In this method, subsequent deforming steps are unnecessary or reduced to a minimum, so that the material to be produced does not experience any substantial distortion.

Abstract: A dome overlay structure for a mobile device keyboard includes a plurality of dome switches, a circuit board disposed beneath the plurality of dome switches with each dome switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, a main overlay disposed over the plurality of dome switches, and a first adhesive dab centrally interposed between the dome switch and the main overlay with a second adhesive dab surrounding the first adhesive dab. Each dome switch has a central portion and a non-central portion. The first adhesive dab can bond the central portion of the dome switch to the main overlay. The second adhesive dab is configured to form a gap between the second adhesive dab and the non-central portion of the dome switch in an unactuated configuration and configured to contact the non-central portion of the dome switch in an actuated configuration.

Abstract: Data transfer over a computer network relating to a data object of a multiple user network application, from a network user who owns the data object to an updating user, is achieved by transfer of a subset of data fields that define the data object, such that the subset of data fields is specified by the updating user and is less than a full update transfer comprising updated values for all the data fields that define the data object. Each data object is defined by multiple data fields, such that the transfer of a subset of the data object data fields ensures that the network bandwidth utilized for data updates will be reduced from the situation in which all the defining data fields for an object being updated are transferred over the network.

Abstract: An irrigation control device having a modulator that modulates data onto an alternating power signal by distorting amplitude of a first leading portion of selected cycles of the alternating power signal, and permit effectively a full amplitude of the alternating power signal on a following portion of the selected cycles, wherein the first leading portion and the following portion are either both on a high side of a cycle or both on a low side of a cycle of the alternating power signal. The irrigation control device further includes an interface configured to couple the modulator to a multi-wire interface coupled to a plurality of irrigation devices to permit the alternating power signal to be applied to the multi-wire interface.

Abstract: One provides nanocrystalline diamond material that comprises a plurality of substantially ordered diamond crystallites that are sized no larger than about 10 nanometers. One then disposes a non-diamond component within the nanocrystalline diamond material. By one approach this non-diamond component comprises an electrical conductor that is formed at the grain boundaries that separate the diamond crystallites from one another. The resultant nanowire is then able to exhibit a desired increase with respect to its ability to conduct electricity while also preserving the thermal conductivity behavior of the nanocrystalline diamond material.

Abstract: Method of operating a fixed bed dry bottom gasifier includes feeding coarse particulate coal with an average particle size of at least 1 mm and an ash fusion temperature increasing agent into a gasification chamber of the gasifier to form a coal bed, feeding a gasification agent into the gasification chamber, and gasifying the coarse particulate coal in the gasification chamber to produce synthesis gas as well as ash. The ash is collected in an ash bed below the coal, and the synthesis gas and the ash are removed from the gasification chamber.

Abstract: A heddle frame (1) is driven via drive rods (15), which pass through its lateral sampsons (13). To that end, the lateral sampsons (13) each have a corresponding channel (19). The play between the circumferential face (22) of the drive rods (15) and the channel wall face (21) of the respective channel (19) has an intermediate layer (24), which extends over the full length, or portions, of the drive rod (15). The intermediate layer (24) preferably comprises an impact-proof, permanent-elastic, damping material. A slight residual play allows the introduction of the drive rods (15) and the intermediate layer (24) into the channel (19) without force.

Abstract: A keyboard dome stiffener assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of dome pads that each defines a venting aperture, a dome sheet disposed over the circuit board, and a stiffener disposed beneath the circuit board that defines a plurality of cutouts corresponding to each venting aperture. The dome pads correspond to a key of an associated keyboard to be assembled with the keyboard dome stiffener assembly. The dome sheet forms an air space associated with each dome pad that is in fluid communication with the corresponding venting aperture. The cutouts of the stiffener provide an air cavity between the circuit board and the stiffener. Each air cavity is in fluid communication with an air space, and when one of the keyboard keys is depressed, some of the air in the air space travels between the air space of the keyboard to the corresponding air cavity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring Internet use of a selected computer user includes a remote server and a computer having a monitoring program voluntarily installed thereon by the user communicatively connected to the remote server. The monitoring program is configured to monitor various Internet access activity of the computer user and record the Internet access activity on the remote server. The Internet access activity includes access of at least one Internet protocol from the group consisting of newsgroups, file sharing programs, file transfer programs, chat rooms, peer to peer chats, and electronic mail activity. A method of using a monitoring system includes the steps of a computer user voluntarily installing a monitoring program on a selected computer, recording the Internet access activity, and providing the recorded information to a third party recipient. A report may be provided that includes a variety of information and may include a plurality of portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, computer systems and computer program products for labeling components. One method includes the step of labeling (130) with a current label all voxels that are internal to a predetermined sub-volume oriented with respect to an unlabeled voxel, and directly connected to the unmarked voxel. The labeling step is repeated for all voxels that are not internal to the predetermined sub-volume, but which are labeled with a current label. The method includes the step of incrementing the current label and may include the step of increasing a window size to a predetermined maximum. The preceding steps are repeated for remaining unlabeled object voxels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector for a roof opening, which can be closed and opened, in a roof panel of a vehicle. According to the invention it is contemplated that an elastic element, which is fixed with respect to the frame of the roof opening, engages on the wind deflector arm and applies a force thereon in of the longitudinal direction, and an arm, which at one end is connected to the wind deflector arm rotatably about the transverse direction, is mounted at the other end rotatably with respect to the frame of the roof opening in of the transverse direction. The invention further relates to a method for actuating a wind deflector.

Abstract: Handheld mobile communication devices according to the disclosure have a closed position, in which the display member of the device covers at least a portion of the keys of on the keypad member of the device, and an open position, in which the keys are accessible and the device is operated. When the display member is in the open position, it forms an ergonomically desirable angle (e.g., on the order of about 155°) relative to the keypad member. However, unlike clamshell-type cellular phones, the display member does not simply flip open about a conventional pivot joint. Rather, it moves from the closed position, where it is parallel and adjacent to the keypad member, to the open, angled position through a sliding/sweeping motion; through an eccentric, “up-and-over” rotational motion; or through a combination sliding/“up-and-over” motion.