Abstract: A method for filtered peer-to-peer business communication in a distributed computer environment includes accessing offers associated with one or more offerors and requests associated with one or more requestors, each offer and each request including a set of filter components. Filter components of offers are compared with corresponding filter components of requests to determine whether one or more offers match one or more requests. A match is determined between an offer and a request if the filter components of the offer match the corresponding filter components of the request. In response, at least a matching portion of the offer and request is replicated and communicated to both the offeror associated with the offer and the requestor associated with the request to provide filtered peer-to-peer communication between the offeror and requestor.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy-absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for optimizing supply chain planning problems associated with a supply chain network. The system includes a supply chain planner coupled with one or more supply chain entities. The supply chain planner determines a supply chain plan for managing the flow of one or more items through the supply chain network.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses of providing and processing video data for delivery to mobile devices.

Abstract: A leading edge for use as a leading edge reinforcement on a blade or airfoil part. The leading edge has a main body that includes two leg sections. A metal deposition layer is applied to the main body to form the outer end portion of the leading edge. The main body can be formed of one or more pieces.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a natural language query system and method for processing and analyzing multimodally-originated queries, including voice and proximity-based queries. The natural language query system includes a Web-enabled device including a speech input module for receiving a voice-based query in natural language form from a user and a location/proximity module for receiving location/proximity information from a location/proximity device. The query system also includes a speech conversion module for converting the voice-based query in natural language form to text in natural language form and a natural language processing module for converting the text in natural language form to text in searchable form. The query system further includes a semantic engine module for converting the text in searchable form to a formal database query and a database-look-up module for using the formal database query to obtain a result related to the voice-based query in natural language form from a database.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an air quality detector, such as an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The air quality detector may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional.

Abstract: Distributed media-aggregation systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises selecting a first media segment at a first media device, wherein the first media segment is provided by a first content provider and the first media device is associated with a subscriber, selecting a second media segment provided by a second content provider; obtaining the second media segment from a second media device, where the second media segment represents an alternative to first media segment and substituting the second media segment at the first media device to form a media stream.

Abstract: A system for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of display platforms. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a first transmission system for delivering the satellite signals to a first display platform via at least one satellite, and a second transmission system, coupled to the first transmission system, for delivering at least a portion of the satellite signals to at least one second display platform, the first transmission system and the second transmission system transmitting in a substantially simultaneous manner, wherein the second transmission system transmits a data stream formatted for compatibility with the at least one second display platform.

Abstract: A lighted sign has a front side and a back side, and includes a planar substrate and a light source. The light source is substantially coplanar with the substrate. A distressed area reflector is formed on the substrate and redirects light from the light source out of the planar substrate. The lighted sign also includes a cover layer disposed adjacent the planar substrate toward the front side and a linear graphic that is printed on the cover layer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for thermal processing of silicon carbide semiconductor devices. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes forming a thin epitaxial layer of a nitrogen and phosphorous co-doped SiC material on a SiC epitaxial layer formed on a SiC substrate, and thermally growing an oxide layer to form an insulator material on the nitrogen and phosphorous co-doped SiC epitaxial layer, in which the thermally growing the oxide layer results in at least partially consuming the nitrogen and phosphorous co-doped SiC epitaxial layer in the oxide layer to produce an interface including nitrogen and phosphorous between the SiC epitaxial layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: A device newly introduced to a network is automatically credentialed to be able to communicate over a network before the device first communicates with the network. For example, at a point of purchase, a user can provide network identification information to a merchant computing device that effects transfer of that information to the new device such that the new device can communicate directly with the network without initial credentialing directly between the unique device and the local network. In another example, the merchant computing device communicates with the local network to register a newly purchased device with the local network before the newly purchased device is introduced to the network. Accordingly, the network is configured to begin communications with the unique device without initial credentialing directly between the unique device and the local network.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly includes a housing defining first and second outer cylindrical surfaces having a longitudinal axis and a shim having a retaining ring fitted over the first outer cylindrical surface. The shim includes a plurality of connector spokes extending from the retaining ring, and a corresponding plurality of shim elements configured at the ends of the plurality of connector spokes. The connector spokes extend radially from the retaining ring relative to the longitudinal axis when the shim is in a pre-installation configuration. The connector spokes are bendable such that the shim elements extend longitudinally and are positioned next to the second outer cylindrical surface when the shim is in an installation configuration. Shims, methods of assembly, bicycles and other components are also provided.

Abstract: Medical constructs that have a plurality of NDGA-treated collagen fibers twisted together to provide strands that are twisted together into implantable cords. The cords are suitable to treat orthopaedic and other conditions and can be degradeable over time. Related and methods of twisting the collagen fibers as groups or bundles of fibers to form the medical constructs are described.

Abstract: A fluid distributor has a component configured for selective rotation about a central axis of the fluid distributor, a fluid input, a first fluid output, and a second fluid output, wherein rotation of the component in a first direction about the central axis alternates selection between the first fluid output and the second fluid output and at least one of (1) the component is configured to rotate about the central axis by at least 360° in the first direction and such rotation of the component about the central axis provides at least four alternations between selection of the first fluid output and the second fluid output and (2) selection of the second fluid output is the next available fluid output for selection in response to rotating the component about the central axis away from a position of the component in which the first fluid output is selected.

Abstract: A child restraint system includes an infant carrier and a base adapted to be mounted on a passenger seat in a vehicle in a vehicle mode. The infant carrier is also configured to be mounted on a stroller frame in a stroller mode. The infant carrier includes a seat shell and a carrying handle coupled to the seat shell.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for providing electrical power receptacles and device charging ports has a bottom panel member having a top side and a bottom side. A wall structure is attached and substantially perpendicular to the top side of the bottom panel member. The wall structure defines an interior region and comprises a plurality of sections wherein each section has an opening therein. Electrical power devices are located within the interior region. Each electrical power device is attached to a corresponding section of the wall structure and has an electrical power receptacle and device charging ports that are positioned within the opening in the corresponding section of the wall structure. A top panel member covers the interior region defined by the wall structure. The wall structure is attached to the top panel member. An electrical power cable is electrically connected to all of the electrical power devices.