Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a set-point for climate control includes a sensor network having a plurality of sensors configured to report a climate condition. A database is configured to receive reports from the sensors and generate one or more profiles reflecting at least one of historic climate control information and occupant preferences. A controller is configured to receive information from the profiles to generate a set-point based upon an optimization program. The optimization program is implemented to balance competing goals to generate the set-point for controlling climate control equipment in accordance with the set-point.

Abstract: A method is provided for developing a product. The method includes obtaining data records from a plurality of stages of development of the product; identifying respective objectives of the plurality of stages and corresponding objective factors of the objectives; and determining common variables associated with the objectives based on the objective factors. The method includes selecting one or more input parameters based on the common variables and one or more output parameters based on the objectives; and updating the data records to generate desired data records indicative characteristics of the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters. The method includes generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records; and providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a design of the product.

Abstract: An enhanced graphics pipeline is provided that enables common core hardware to perform as different components of the graphics pipeline, programmability of primitives including lines and triangles by a component in the pipeline, and a stream output before or simultaneously with the rendering a graphical display with the data in the pipeline. The programmer does not have to optimize the code, as the common core will balance the load of functions necessary and dynamically allocate those instructions on the common core hardware. The programmer may program primitives using algorithms to simplify all vertex calculations by substituting with topology made with lines and triangles. The programmer takes the calculated output data and can read it before or while it is being rendered. Thus, a programmer has greater flexibility in programming.

Abstract: Methods and computer-storage media are provided for rendering three-dimensional (3D) graphics by tessellating objects using novel structures and algorithms. Rendering utilizing “patches,” configurable functions that include a specified number of control points, allows for computation on a per-patch or per-control-point basis, in addition to traditional per-vertex, per-primitive, and per-pixel methods. This produces a number of advantages over previous tessellation methods, including the reuse of computations across existing vertices and the ability to process at a lower frequency. The operations to compute points are simplified in order to optimize system resources used in the process. Transitions from un-tessellated to tessellated objects are smoother utilizing the present invention, while developers have more flexibility in the level of detail present at different edges of the same patch.

Abstract: An enhanced graphics pipeline is provided that enables common core hardware to perform as different components of the graphics pipeline, programmability of primitives including lines and triangles by a component in the pipeline, and a stream output before or simultaneously with the rendering a graphical display with the data in the pipeline. The programmer does not have to optimize the code, as the common core will balance the load of functions necessary and dynamically allocate those instructions on the common core hardware. The programmer may program primitives using algorithms to simplify all vertex calculations by substituting with topology made with lines and triangles. The programmer takes the calculated output data and can read it before or while it is being rendered. Thus, a programmer has greater flexibility in programming.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a container defining a fluid reservoir and having an opening and a dual applicator assembly removably attached to the container. The dual applicator assembly includes a cap adapted to substantially seal the opening. A writing point is disposed in the cap and a stem is coupled to the cap. The stem has first and second ends and includes a channel through the first end. The channel defines a fluid passageway between the writing point and the fluid reservoir. Finally, an applicator is coupled to the second end of the stem.

Abstract: A method is provided for developing a product. The method may include obtaining data records from a plurality of stages of development of the product; identifying respective objectives of the plurality of stages and corresponding objective factors of the objectives; and determining common variables associated with the objectives based on the objective factors. The method may also include selecting one or more input parameters based on the common variables and one or more output parameters based on the objectives; and updating the data records to generate desired data records indicative characteristics of the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters. Further, the method may include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records; and providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a design of the product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downloading algorithmic elements to a coprocessor and corresponding processing and communication techniques are provided. For an improved graphics pipeline, the invention provides a class of co-processing device, such as a graphics processor unit (GPU), providing improved capabilities for an abstract or virtual machine for performing graphics calculations and rendering.

Abstract: A marking instrument includes a body formed with a first end and a second end and sealed at the second end to define a fluid reservoir. The marking instrument includes a tip assembly positioned at the first end having a rigid nib with a fluid path formed longitudinally therethrough. The rigid nib has a first end forming a first spreader surface and a second end adjacent to the fluid reservoir and cooperates with a shiftable valve positioned within the fluid path. The shiftable valve includes a valve actuator having a contact surface position substantially adjacent to the first spreader surface. The tip assembly may further include an adjustable nib having a second spreader surface adapted to be positioned adjacent the first spreader surface to form a composite spreader surface.

Abstract: A flexible arthroscope comprising a semi-flexible examination tube having means for bending at its distal end, and removably connected to a handheld module at its proximal end. The semi-flexible examination tube coupled with its means for bending its distal end provides the user the ability to immediately alter his field of view in any direction and maintain the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser from which fluid may be dispensed upon passive pressurization of a fluid reservoir therein. Upon exposing a nib of the fluid dispenser to the surroundings, either by disengagement of a cap or extension or contraction of the fluid dispenser, the fluid reservoir is pressurized without requiring the operator to exert manual force on the walls of the fluid dispenser. In certain embodiments, the rate of flow initiated passively may be increased by the operator actively engaging an interface, which increases the pressure within the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method is provided for a computer based design system. The method may include selecting a first plurality of sets of design parameters of a design model representing a design application and individually simulating the design model for each set of the first plurality of sets of the design parameters to create a respective plurality of sets of output parameters corresponding to the design parameters. The method may also include choosing at least one set of the design parameters with a corresponding set of output parameters that satisfy predetermined criteria and selecting a second plurality of sets of the design parameters based on the at least one set of the design parameters.

Abstract: A dispenser containing sheets, for example, dry sheets and premoistened sheets is provided. The dispenser is adapted to be releasably coupled to a conventional rolled product fixture, such as one that holds a roll of toilet tissue in a bathroom. The dispenser may include a cartridge which is positioned in the housing of the dispenser which holds sheets. The sheets dispense from the cartridge and the dispenser.

Abstract: Described is a method for determining a portlet for inclusion in a portal for an industry specific business role. The portlet provides access to a web based capability associated with the business role. Industry specific information associated with the business role is mapped to the desired web based capabilities to generate metadata. An internal portlet catalog and an external portlet catalog accessible over a network are searched to identify portlets matched to the metadata. The portlets in the portlet catalogs can be arranged according to categories to facilitate searching. One of the identified portlets is selected according to a selection algorithm. The selection algorithm can be based on a historical ranking of the identified portlets. If no portlets are identified from the search, a new portlet developed to provide the desired web based capability can be published in the external catalog to allow third party use.

Abstract: Described is a method for software developers to generate a portal for a business role. The portal includes portlets arranged in a page layout for accessing web based resources. Industry specific information associated with the business role is mapped to web based resources. Portlets for providing data associated with the web based capabilities are identified and assembled in the layout of the portal. The developer can modify the layout and change a portlet associated with a particular capability. The method enables existing knowledge associated with a business role to be integrated into a rapid development tool. Fast portlet development functionality is combined with an automated workplace creation technique. Consequently, software products can be delivered to the marketplace in less time than products generated through traditional software development techniques.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to fluid dispensers, and more particularly to fluid dispensers comprising a container defining a fluid reservoir and having an opening and a dual applicator assembly removably attached to the container, the dual applicator assembly comprising a cap adapted to substantially seal the opening, a writing point disposed in the cap, a stem coupled to the cap, the stem having first and second ends and including a channel through the first end, the channel defining a fluid passageway between the writing point and the fluid reservoir, and an applicator coupled to the second end.

Abstract: An enhanced graphics pipeline is provided that enables common core hardware to perform as different components of the graphics pipeline, programmability of primitives including lines and triangles by a component in the pipeline, and a stream output before or simultaneously with the rendering a graphical display with the data in the pipeline. The programmer does not have to optimize the code, as the common core will balance the load of functions necessary and dynamically allocate those instructions on the common core hardware. The programmer may program primitives using algorithms to simplify all vertex calculations by substituting with topology made with lines and triangles. The programmer takes the calculated output data and can read it before or while it is being rendered. Thus, a programmer has greater flexibility in programming.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser from which fluid may be dispensed upon passive pressurization of a fluid reservoir therein. Upon exposing a nib of the fluid dispenser to the surroundings, either by disengagement of a cap or extension or contraction of the fluid dispenser, the fluid reservoir is pressurized without requiring the operator to exert manual force on the walls of the fluid dispenser. In certain embodiments, the rate of flow initiated passively may be increased by the operator actively engaging an interface, which increases the pressure within the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downloading algorithmic elements to a coprocessor and corresponding processing and communication techniques are provided. For an improved graphics pipeline, the invention provides a class of co-processing device, such as a graphics processor unit (GPU), providing improved capabilities for an abstract or virtual machine for performing graphics calculations and rendering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downloading algorithmic elements to a coprocessor and corresponding processing and communication techniques are provided. For an improved graphics pipeline, the invention provides a class of co-processing device, such as a graphics processor unit (GPU), providing improved capabilities for an abstract or virtual machine for performing graphics calculations and rendering.