Abstract: Portable devices having multiple power interfaces are described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to perform one or more functions, a battery coupled to provide power to the processor and the memory, and a battery charging manager coupled to charge the battery using power derived from a plurality of power sources including a solar power source. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies that can be substantially flush with the external surfaces of the housings of the devices, despite variations in their manufacture. The ejectable component assemblies may include connectors coupled to circuit boards of the devices, and trays that can be loaded with removable modules, inserted through openings in the housings of the devices, and into the connectors for functionally aligning the removable modules with the circuit boards. The ejectable component assemblies may also include ejectors coupled to the housings of the devices for ejecting the trays from the connectors and, thus, from the devices themselves.

Abstract: Conditional communication settings may be defined by a user of a communications device to be transmitted with a communication to a receiving device, where the receiving device may be restricted from performing a user-specified type of communication operations with a user-specified contact until the conditional communication settings are satisfied. The conditional communication settings may include a condition value setting, which may be a task to be performed by a recipient, a date and/or time, a location, an operation to be performed by a third party contact, or other suitable criterion. The receiving device may detect whether such condition value setting has been satisfied. Unless the condition value setting has been satisfied, the receiving device may be prevented from performing the user-specified type of communication operation with the user-specified contact.

Abstract: A method of preparing oligomeric compounds from polyfunctional reactants in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts that exhibit size selective characteristics, such that further reaction between first generation products or first generation products and reactants is less favored than between the starting reactants is disclosed. Preparation of oligomeric polyacrylate compounds in a liquid solution using these catalysts is also disclosed comprising reacting X—H acidic Michael donor compounds with unsaturated Michael acceptor compounds containing more than one unsaturated group.

Abstract: New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are define herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to allowing an electronic device with a failed file system to dynamically direct a host device to reformat it, by making the storage component appear to be in its unformatted state. Upon detection of file system failure, the device writes changes to its disk to make it appear as factory-new to a host device. The host device treats the electronic device as if it is a brand new device that has never been connected to a host device before, and reformats it. By reformatting the device's storage component, the host device thereby provides a way to maintain communication between the host device and electronic device, allowing a more sophisticated application to then diagnose and recover the contents of the storage component, without the involvement of the user or a specialist. This avoids returns of devices with failed file systems, thereby improving the overall user experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a circuit for detecting the insertion of a component into a docking station, e.g., an audio plug. When the component is inserted into the docking station, an electronic switch can be opened. When the switch is opened, a detector (e.g., monostable multivibrator) for detecting a change in state of the switch can be activated. Responsive to the detected change in state, the detector can issue a signal to a control device. Responsive to the signal, the controller can look to a resistive identification circuit and, based on its resistance, determine whether the component has just been inserted or removed from the docking station.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring four factors contributing to transparency of a colored film, namely, Haze, Scatter, Gloss and Bronze values by utilizing a diffuse sphere spectrophotometer.

Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical systems are disclosed that utilize vertically grown or placed nanometer-scale beams. The beams may be configured and arranged for use in a variety of applications, such as batteries, generators, transistors, switching assemblies, and sensors. In some generator applications, nanometer-scale beams may be fixed to a base and grown to a desired height. The beams may produce an electric potential as the beams vibrate, and may provide the electric potential to an electrical contact located at a suitable height above the base. In other embodiments, vertical beams may be grown or placed on side-by-side traces, and an electrical connection may be formed between the side-by-side traces when beams on separate traces vibrate and contact one another.

Abstract: A parking brake module for a pressure medium-operated brake system of a vehicle having a parking brake function enabled by at least one spring brake cylinder includes a first valve device that increases the amount of pressure medium and has an inlet that can be connected to a pressure medium reservoir, an outlet that can be connected to at least one spring-loaded part of a spring brake cylinder, and a control input connected to a control line. A second valve device encompasses at least one first connection used as a trailer control valve connection and can be connected to a trailer control valve to control a trailer brake. To provide a valve concept for different vehicle configurations, particularly including an anti jackknifing function, pressure prevailing at the first connection can be adjusted regardless of pressure prevailing in the pressure medium reservoir and at the outlet of the first valve device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for assembling an audio plug with a cosmetic hard shell are provided. A plug may be coupled to a cable. An inner member may be molded about an end portion of the plug and an end portion of the cable. A strain relief member may be molded about a portion of the cable such that the strain relief member is adjacent to and substantially flush with the inner member. The seam between the inner member and the strain relief member may be covered by coupling a hard, smooth outer shell over a portion of the inner member and a portion of the strain relief member. Each of the inner member, the strain relief member, and the outer shell may be formed by injection molding, be of a cylindrical shape, and be formed from the same or different materials.

Abstract: An offset printing ink or varnish uses as a solvent at least one water-insoluble ester of a polycarboxylic acid with an alcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for determining the steering ratio of a vehicle from sensed measured values (e.g., yaw rate, steering wheel angle, vehicle speed) in a manner that takes vehicle parameters (e.g., self-steering gradient, wheelbase and other vehicle dimensions) into consideration during stable travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds for targeting endothelial cells, tumor cells or other cells that express the NP-1 receptor, compositions containing the same and methods for their use. Additionally, the present invention includes diagnostic, therapeutic and radiotherapeutic compositions useful for visualization, therapy or radiotherapy.

Abstract: Thin semiconductor die packages and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A package in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a semiconductor die having die bond sites, a conductive structure positioned proximate to the semiconductor die and having first bond sites and second bond sites spaced apart from the first bond sites, and conductive couplers connected between the first bond sites of the conductive structure and the die bond sites of the semiconductor die. A cover can be positioned adjacent to the semiconductor die, and can include a recess in which the conductive couplers are received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.

Abstract: Present embodiments relate to techniques for capturing images. One embodiment may include an image sensor, comprising a substrate, a first pixel cell array disposed on the substrate, a first photographic lens arranged to focus light onto the first pixel cell array, a second pixel cell array disposed on the substrate, a second photographic lens arranged to focus light onto the second pixel cell array, and an image coordination circuit configured to coordinate the first array and lens with the second array and lens to provide an image. The first pixel cell array and the first photographic lens may be configured to cooperate to capture a first image of a scene, and the second pixel cell array and the second photographic lens may be configured to cooperate to capture a second image of the scene.