Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a methylene malonate monomer that includes the steps of reacting a malonic acid ester with a source of formaldehyde optionally in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst and optionally in the presence of an acidic or non-acidic solvent to form reaction complex. The reaction is optionally performed in the presence of or contacted with an energy transfer means such as a heat transfer agent, a heat transfer surface, a source of radiation or a laser such that reaction complex is substantially vaporized to produce a vapor phase comprising methylene malonate monomer which may be isolated. The present invention further provides methylene malonate monomers prepared by the method of the invention, as well as compositions and products formed from the methylene malonate monomers, including monomer-based products (e.g., inks, adhesives, coatings, sealants or reactive molding) and polymer-based products (e.g.

Abstract: A diaper for treatment of diaper rash and methods of using such a diaper to treat diaper rash are provided. The diaper may include a first layer having inner and outer surfaces and including a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion extending between the front and rear portions and configured to be positioned between the legs of a user when worn. A liquid absorbent element may be coupled to the inner surface of the first layer and disposed proximate at least the front and middle portions. An opening may be defined in the rear portion of the first layer to expose at least a portion of the user's buttocks to open air when worn. An air and liquid permeable mesh layer may be permanently or removeably attached adjacent the opening and may cover at least part of the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.

Abstract: A method for designing an air cooled turbine airfoil includes selecting a number of different internal cooling air circuits, forming a ceramic core for each of the different cooling air circuits, forming a metal airfoil over each of the ceramic cores, leaching away the ceramic cores, mounting the airfoils in a stage of a turbine, passing a hot gas stream through the turbine, passing cooling air through each of the airfoils, and measuring a pressure and temperature differential across each of the airfoils to determine which cooling air circuit has the best performance.

Abstract: Disclosed systems provide audio recordings from digital television provider networks. Audio recordings are streamed to a customer premises equipment device of a user and, in response to user input, an identifier for the audio recording is transmitted to a music provider. A copy of the audio recording is delivered to a user designated device.

Abstract: A social networking website maintains a profile for each user of the website. The profile includes data associated with a user, such as a connection to one or more plurality of other users of the social networking website or user preferences. The social networking website communicates with one or more third-party application servers to provide one or more applications to social networking website users. When a social networking website user requests an application provided by a third-party application server, the social networking website communicates a subset of the user's profile to the third-party application server, allowing the third-party application server to use this profile data to personalize the application performed for the user. A privacy setting associated with a user profile allows the social networking website to limit the profile data communicated to the third-party application server.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is disclosed which includes at least one plate segment having at least one aperture extending therethrough for receiving a head portion of a bone screw, and a structure supported by the plate segment and intersecting the aperture for retaining the head portion of the bone screw with respect to the plate segment.

Abstract: A computing system architecture is based upon a peer-to-peer, asynchronous model. The architecture specifies a set of infrastructure facilities that comprise an inter-prise operating system. The inter-prise operating system provides all the facilities that make application coding as easy in the peer-to-peer asynchronous model as it is in a hierarchical, synchronous model. Services, which reside in containers, are linked asynchronously by an inter-prise bus and use data from a virtual data store.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence methods and systems for triggering the generation of narratives are disclosed. Specific embodiments relate to real-time evaluation and automated generation of narrative stories based on received data. For example, data can be tested against data representative of a plurality of story angles to determine whether a narrative story incorporating one or more such story angles is to be automatically generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, external data are a basis for operating a driveline disconnect clutch. For example, a vehicle destination may be a basis for opening a driveline disconnect clutch and beginning to discharging an energy storage device so that fewer hydrocarbons may be consumed by the vehicle.

Abstract: A printhead apparatus, an inkjet printer system, and a method of built-in test employ a test flag transmitted through a data channel of a printhead. The apparatus includes a plurality of printheads, a data register at each printhead, and a status channel. Each printhead has a unidirectional data channel (UDC) to provide data to the printhead. The data register detects proper reception of a test flag received by the printhead through the UDC. The status channel reports printhead status information including whether or not proper reception of the test flag was detected by the data register. The system includes the apparatus and a controller to generate the test flag and receive the printhead status information. The method includes sending a test flag, and verifying proper reception thereof.

Abstract: A detonation chamber for a pulse detonation combustor including: a plurality of duplex tab obstacles disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the detonation chamber wherein the plurality of duplex tab obstacles enhance a turbulence of a fluid flow through the detonation chamber.

Abstract: A spinal implant for connecting to an elongated rod is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a yoke having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first and second rod engaging portion and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a first bone anchor, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. An extension rod is also provided which extends from the second end of the yoke parallel to the elongated rod. The first and second rod engaging portions are configured and dimensioned to receive first and second securing member for securing the elongated rod.

Abstract: Communications between social networks are enabled via authentication that provides single-sign-on (SSO) authentication of users such as individual users or social networks or social network services that desire access to network resources on a particular social network. The particular network requests authentication of the requesting user(s), and based on an authentication result the particular network provides or denies access to the resources. A social network services database maintains a listing of resources of different social networks, that a user can search to determine where to find resources on other networks. The user can then query the social networks hosting those resources or their social network services for access, and the networks or services can authenticate the user before granting access according to any conditions that the hosting social networks or social network services may choose to apply.

Abstract: An RFID memory device includes two arrays of resonant members. A first array extends in a first member direction and a second array extends in a second member direction. The device includes one or more elements for transforming energy associated with vibration of the resonant members into a change in impedance of an electrical equivalent circuit of the memory device. The magnitude of impedance change caused by resonance of the first resonant members is maximized at a different magnetic field direction to that at which the magnitude of the impedance change caused by resonance of the second resonant members is maximized. Thus, different data may be encoded on each array and separately read. The resonant members may form part of a common electrical conductor that forms a coupling element for coupling with an applied excitation signal and causing vibration of the resonant members.

Abstract: An insertion device may include a base adapted to be carried by a patient, and a housing attached to the base, the housing having a fluid connector arranged for movement relative to the base. A pair of interactive elements including a first interactive element may be supported on the base and a second interactive element supported on the housing at a location to be interactable with the first interactive element when the fluid connector is moved to a predetermined position. Circuitry may be configured to detect an interaction between the first interactive element and the second interactive element when the fluid connector is in the predetermined position, the circuitry configured to provide a signal or a change in state in response to detecting the interaction between the first interactive element and the second interactive element.