Abstract: A system and method is provided to allow a consumer to interactively explore his credit score by submitting hypothetical values based on his actual credit data. The system uses the consumer's real credit data and the submitted hypothetical values to calculate a simulated credit score based on a simulator scorecard. The consumer may then observe the changes in the resultant scores. The system and the scorecard may utilize fewer data elements than a complete credit-worthiness scorecard and may instead focus on the key elements affecting a consumer's credit score. The system may be implemented in part on a web server or as a stand-alone application. The system may also update the score dynamically as the consumer adjusts the hypothetical values or may require the consumer to affirmatively submit the new hypothetical data.

Abstract: A method of restoring a corrupted audio signal includes the steps of inputting the corrupted audio signal in a first channel, inputting one or more further correlated audio signals in one or more further channels, and restoring the corrupted audio signal using a Multi-Channel Autoregressive (AR) Model that models the corrupted signal as a linear combination of scaled time shifted portions of the further signal(s) and the corrupted signal. Embodiments are described in which the method is used to improve received audio signals in DAB receivers and mobile telephones.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.

Abstract: Backup systems and methods are disclosed for a virtual computing environment. Certain examples include a system having a backup management server that communicates with a host server having at least one virtual machine. The management server coordinates with the host server to perform backup copies of entire virtual machine disks from outside the guest operating system of the virtual machine. In certain examples, such backup systems further utilize a volume shadow copy service executing on the host server to quiesce virtual machine applications to put data in a consistent state to be backed up. The backup system then utilizes hypervisor snapshot capabilities of the host server to record intended changes to the virtual machine disk files while such files are being copied (e.g., backed up) by the host server. Such recorded changes can be later committed to the virtual machine disk files once the backup operation has completed.

Abstract: A method for stripping a wafer from a supporting plate to which the wafer is adhered via an adhesive agent, wherein the supporting plate has a through hole penetrating the supporting plate in a thickness direction thereof, the method including dissolving the adhesive agent with a stripping solution by contacting the stripping solution with the adhesive agent via the through hole. The adhesive agent has a hydrocarbon resin as a viscous component, and the stripping solution is a hydrocarbon-based solvent having a viscosity of 1.3 mPa·s or less and a dissolving rate of 30 nm/sec or greater to dissolve the adhesive agent.

Abstract: Apparatus for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a user is described, the apparatus comprising a device and a waste canister connected thereto, the waste 5 canister being operably connected for receiving wound exudate to a wound dressing by an aspiration conduit which is releasably connected to the dressing, wherein the waste canister has a blank connector portion thereon for sealably receiving a disconnected dressing end of the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: A universal securing device for holding catheters of various shapes and sizes and the like in place includes a base and cover. The cover may be connected to the base by a hinge which allows the cover to be lifted open or pushed down into a closed position, over a catheter fitting. The base may have locating elements configured and arranged to fit around catheter fittings of various sizes, and the locating elements prevent substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The cover may include capture elements which act to grip and compress the catheter fitting when the securing device is in a closed position, thus preventing substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The base may be attached to a patient with an adhesive pad attached to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Accordingly, embodiments include an improved sorting system that provides an improved energy utilization and efficiency. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise a number of permanent magnets arranged on a carrier plate. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form a row of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity, said row having an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts. A maximum number of coils in the stator may thereby be active at the same time, when driving the conveyor.

Abstract: It is provided a multi-layer material comprising a self-adhesive layer coated on the reverse side of a first web, a release layer coated on the front side of a second web, the release layer being attached to the self-adhesive layer of the first web, wherein on the reverse side of the second web a cold seal adhesive layer is coated. Furthermore, a multi-layer tag manufactured from said multi-layer material is provided.

Abstract: The present application is directed to various spinal stabilization systems. The systems can include one or more guiding elements attached to screw members to assist in guiding rod implants and tools to desired locations within a patient. The guiding elements can include a plurality of wires, blades, or tabs. The guiding elements can be capable of criss-crossing or intersecting at or near an incision, such that only a single incision may be needed to perform a surgery. The guiding elements can also include telescoping features that allow the height of the guiding elements to be adjusted in use, thereby allowing multiple telescoping guiding elements to be used with the same incision.

Abstract: Methods for ultrasound treatment of hyperhidrosis are provided. Various methods and systems for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, thermal and/or ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the sweat gland population is located below the skin surface. Ultrasound and non-ultrasound treatments for hyperhidrosis are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated detergent composition and a process of manufacturing thereof. More in detail the present invention refers to a coated detergent tablet wherein the coating is applied to the tablet by bringing a powder coating material in direct contact with the tablet and thereafter equalizing the powder particles in a way that a homogenous “fused” coating (film) layer is obtained.

Abstract: A reasoning system includes at least one atomic context and a plurality of derivation methods. Each atomic context encapsulates a reference to at least one mathematical model and is configured to cause the performance of at least one computation using the encapsulated mathematical model. Each of the derivation methods is configured to receive a reference to a base context and to create a derived context that is based on the base context. Such created derived contexts are configured to cause the performance of a computation by invoking the base context and providing at least one input to the base context, to receive an output from the base context, to perform a transformation on an input to the base context or on an output from the base context, and to return at least one output of the computation. Derived contexts can be composed in order to create more complex contexts.

Abstract: Systems and method of identifying shipping anomalies are provided. One anomaly detection module is configured to access data related to items in a delivery environment and determine the occurrence of anomalies based on the accessed data. The detected anomalies are evaluated with other accessed data to identify source, destination or routing errors and to correct same.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A secondary battery having a simplified structure by which a lead of a safety device can be adhered to the battery includes an electrode unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator disposed therebetween, a can having a bottom portion and made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the can in which the electrode unit and an electrolytic solution are accommodated and sealed, and a surface coating provided on at least an outer surface of the bottom portion of the can to which the lead is attached.

Abstract: Methods for patterning integrated circuit (IC) device arrays employing an additional mask process for improving center-to-edge CD uniformity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a repeating pattern of features is formed in a masking layer over a first region of a substrate. Then, a blocking mask is applied over the features in the masking layer. The blocking mask is configured to differentiate array regions of the first region from peripheral regions of the first region. Subsequently, the pattern of features in the array regions is transferred into the substrate. In the embodiment, an etchant can be uniformly introduced to the masking layer because there is no distinction of center/edge in the masking layer. Thus, CD uniformity can be achieved in arrays which are later defined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.