Abstract: A video toy is provided with a video screen and multiple selectable dioramas positioned behind the video screen. The dioramas may be fixed to a shaft so that rotation of a handle of the shaft moves a first diorama to a position behind the screen and visible through the screen. Rotating the handle and shaft again may sequentially move a second diorama to a position behind the screen replacing the first diorama. The video toy may display characters and objects on the screen that engage in activities and appear to interact with objects in the diorama visible through the video display. Virtual characters may be programmed to exhibit development and modify their activities and interactions with the player based on type and frequency of inputs. The video toy may respond to signals from a computer by accessing additional game play modes or options.

Abstract: A patch antenna system and method comprising a base extending in a first plane; at least one patch mounted in a plane substantially parallel to the first plane; spaced from the base by at least one metallic post such that between the base and patch is substantially only gaseous fluid (which may be air). At least one power source may be operatively connected to the at least one patch for generation of electromagnetic waves at a center frequency of approximately 5.8 Gigahertz. The method of neutralizing unattended microwave devices comprises connecting a power source to a patch antenna and operating the patch antenna at a frequency in the range of approximately 3.89 to of 5.85 Gigahertz in the vicinity of a suspected unattended microwave device used to activate an explosive device to thereby jam any communication signal to the unattended microwave device and prevent the activation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a hierarchical distributed control architecture to support roaming of wireless client devices. A plurality of access switches are provided and configured to serve one or more Internet Protocol (IP) subnets that comprises a plurality of IP addresses. The plurality of access switches are arranged in switch peer groups such that each access switch within a given switch peer group is configured to store information about other access switches in that switch peer group and about locations of wireless client devices that are associated with any wireless access point on any access switch in the switch peer group. The plurality of access switches are further grouped into a corresponding one of a plurality of mobility sub-domains each comprising a plurality of switch peer groups. A plurality of controller devices are provided, each configured to control access switches in a corresponding mobility sub-domain.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing tight-buffered optical fiber having improved fiber access. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for making a tight buffer upcoated optical fiber having a predetermined buffer stripping force is provided. The method includes controlling residual acrylate unsaturation (RAU) and oxygen in at least an outer surface of un-buffered optical fiber to achieve a predetermined buffer stripping characteristic, applying a tight buffer composition comprising acrylate to the un-buffered optical fiber, and curing the tight buffer composition.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a memory card holder and organizer for holding and organizing a plurality of portable memory cards. The memory card holder and organizer includes a card body having first and second memory card covering members defining first and second opposite-facing surfaces and first and second opposite-facing lateral edges. The card body defines a plurality of memory card insertion and holding slots for insertion and holding of a plurality of portable memory cards in an interior region defined by the card body. The memory card insertion and holding slots are laterally accessible through apertures in the first and second lateral edges. The first surface defines a plurality of notches adjacent to the first lateral edge for allowing removal of portable memory cards inserted in the memory card insertion and holding slots accessible via the first lateral edge.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system and method for normalizing job properties. In one embodiment, a job manager is operable to identify a property of a job, with the job being associated with an operating environment. The job manager is further operable to normalize the property of the job and present the normalized property of the job to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining an ornament, for example, an ornamental crystal, on a frame or plate is provided. The method includes providing a pin having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end comprising a projection, for example, a head; inserting the first end of the pin through an aperture in the ornament and through a hole in the frame wherein the projection obstructs the aperture in the ornament; deforming, for example, twisting, the second end of the pin to provide a deformation of the second end that obstructs passage of the second end through the hole in the frame; and retaining the ornament on the frame by the projection of the first end of the pin and the deformation of the second end of the pin. Aspects of the invention facilitate the mounting of ornaments to ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing or monitoring an autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disease, particularly SLE in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes or surrogates derived therefrom in the patient are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring chronic inflammatory disease, particularly SLE infection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Various circuits include MOS transistors that have a bulk voltage terminal for receiving a bulk voltage that is different from a supply voltage and ground. The bulk voltage may be selectively set so that some MOS transistors have a bulk voltage set to the supply voltage or ground and other MOS transistors have a bulk voltage that is different. The bulk voltage may be set to forward or reverse bias pn junctions in the MOS transistor. The various circuits include comparators, operational amplifiers, sensing circuits, decoding circuits and the other circuits. The circuits may be included in a memory system.

Abstract: Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of aligned nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives on a substrate. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to polystyrene and/or thermoplastic polymer or polymer blend composite foam or a foamable polymeric material precursor, which contains activated carbon and/or at least one of 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional nano/micro-materials in polystyrene and/or thermoplastic polymer and/or polymer blend matrix to carry a co-blowing agent such as water without using any surfactant-like molecules and/or polymers, having or adapted to have the properties of low density, high-R value, good mechanical properties, and fire retardance thereof. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include various manufacturing methods that may be employed including, but not limited to, extrusion, batch molding, and injection molding. One example includes synthesis and CO2 and water-based extruded foaming of such a material.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system and method for summarizing jobs for a user group. In one embodiment, a job manager is operable to identify a state of a first job, the first job associated with a first job scheduler. A state of a second job is identified. The second job is associated with a second job scheduler. The first job scheduler and the second job scheduler are heterogeneous. A summary of information associated with at least the first job scheduler and the second job scheduler is determined using, at least in part, the first job state and the second job state. The summary is presented to a user though a dashboard.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing virtual keyboard video mouse (KVM) switching functionality using a processing device in communication with a memory device is provided. Keyboard, video, and mouse signals for a first computer are redirected to be carried over a standardized serial bus connecting the first computer to a second computer. Each of the keyboard, video, and mouse signals are carried at predetermined frequencies. The keyboard, video, and mouse signals on the second computer are identified and separated. The keyboard, video, and mouse signals are passed to an operating system on the second computer. The keyboard, video, and mouse signals are used by the operating system to manage the first computer.

Abstract: Provided herein are arylsulfonamides that are useful for modulating CCR3 activity, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.

Abstract: A method for making a composite magnetic-dielectric disc assembly includes forming a dielectric ceramic annular cylinder, forming a magnetic ceramic rod, assembling the magnetic ceramic rod coaxially inside the dielectric ceramic cylinder, joining the magnetic ceramic rod to the dielectric ceramic cylinder using an adhesive comprising a ceramic material to form a rod-and-cylinder assembly, and slicing the rod-and-cylinder assembly to form a plurality of composite magnetic-dielectric disc-shaped assemblies. The magnetic-dielectric disc assemblies can be used as components of, for example, circulators, isolators, or similar electrical assemblies.

Abstract: Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of aligned nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives on a substrate. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to receive allocation requests from a processor configured to manage memory comprising a non-volatile memory device configurable as a plurality of blocks comprising a plurality of sectors, assign partial page blocks from the plurality of blocks for memory storage, fill some of the sectors by storing data bits associated with the allocation request in the at least one of the plurality of sectors, determine that the sectors are full, assigning a full page block from the plurality of blocks, and transfer the data bits associated with the allocation request from the partial page blocks to the full page block. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An array of memory cells has a first side adjacent to a first column, a second side opposite the first side, a third side adjacent to a first row, and a fourth side opposite the third side. Each memory cell is connected to a bit line, a high voltage source, and a low voltage source. Reference cells, substantially the same as the memory cells, evenly spaced apart, are embedded in the array. A high voltage decoder is on the first side, connected to the memory cells and reference cells in the same row. A low voltage row decoder is on the second side, connected to the memory cells and reference cells in the same row. Sense amplifiers are on the third side, connected to the memory cells and to the reference cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a method that includes transferring data at an initial mode from a transmitter to a receiver, determining a suggested mode based on the data transferred and determining a count of the data transferred from the transmitter to the receiver. The method also includes transferring the suggested mode and the count to the transmitter and determining a pending mode based on the suggested mode and the count.