Abstract: A system and method for the automated real-time detection and processing of commercial messages, public service announcements or similar short-duration, repeated TV programming segments occurring in one or more broadcast video steams is described. A process is utilized that identifies possible commercial segments by identifying discrete video segments that have specific short durations among other attributes. Video segments that appear to have these characteristics are considered likely to be television commercials, promotions, or public service announcements and are stored in a TV Ad database which is separate from the primary television content database. Incoming video from a plurality of television programming sources is process into fingerprints and placed in a master TV content database. At the same time, said incoming programming is tested for matches in a TV ad database. If a match is found, then the presumed TV ad is removed from the master content database.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal surgery for retracting soft tissue and mounting between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a relatively rigid frame, a first retractor blade mounted to the frame and a distractor element movably mounted to the frame. The distractor element has a body, a proximal end and a distal end. The distractor element has a thickness and a length. The distractor element is configured for mounting between the superior and inferior spinous processes in a working configuration. The distractor element is generally tapered at the distal end in an insertion configuration. The instrument also includes an insertion shaft attached to the proximal end and a first shaft joint mounted between the frame and the insertion shaft.

Abstract: Systems and method for identifying duplicate reads can receive first and second reads, determine if the first and second reads have a same start and end position, determine a binary flow difference, and identify the second read as a duplicate of the first read when the binary flow difference exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program utilize a distance associative hashing algorithmic means to provide a highly efficient means to rapidly address a large database. The indexing means can be readily subdivided into a plurality of independently-addressable segments where each such segment can address a portion of related data of the database where the sub-divided indexes of said portions reside entirely in the main memory of each of a multiplicity of server means. The resulting cluster of server means, each hosting an addressable sector of a larger database of searchable audio or video information, provides a significant improvement in the latency and scalability of an Automatic Content Recognition system, among other uses.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that improve the efficiency and performance of an Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) system. Several approaches are described that may be used alone or in combination to reduce total system computational costs related to the manner in which such an ACR means takes samples, called “fingerprints,” of digital content being played by a television display device and transmits said fingerprints to a remote server to be compared to a database of fingerprints from known programming. Methods are described for implementing such system performance enhancement including varying sampling rates and other resolution metrics during the process of creating such fingerprints and transmitting them to the database server. The system and method disclosed also describes how to reduce the probability that, when compared to samples from already-identified programming, such fingerprints are incorrectly identified as being of programming other than that which they are in fact derived from.

Abstract: A system and method for the identification of specific video segments in a video program, such as certain TV commercials, is presented. A means is described for an accelerated identification of the video segment of interest in conjunction with a means to communicate said information to a process in a remote television system such that the remote television system can anticipate the future start of said video segment of interest and display contextually related material in close proximity to the start of said video segment.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, apparatus, and kits are provided for depositing samples onto surfaces. The samples can include one or more particles, and the surface can include one or more reaction chambers. In some embodiments, the depositing can include the use of companion particles in combination with sample particles.

Abstract: A plurality of regular wires are formed within a given chip level, each having a linear-shape with a length extending in a first direction and a width extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of regular wires are positioned according to a fixed pitch such that a distance as measured in the second direction between lengthwise centerlines of any two regular wires is an integer multiple of the fixed pitch. At least one irregular wire is formed within the given chip level and within a region bounded by the plurality of regular wires. Each irregular wire has a linear-shape with a length extending in the first direction and a width extending in the second direction. A distance as measured in the second direction between lengthwise centerlines of any irregular wire and any regular wire is not equal to an integer multiple of the fixed pitch.

Abstract: Within a dynamic array architecture, an irregular wire layout region within a portion of a chip level layout is bracketed by placing first and second regular wire layout shapes on a first and second sides, respectively, of the irregular wire layout region. One or more irregular wire layout shapes are placed within the irregular wire layout region. A first edge spacing is maintained between the first regular wire layout shape and a first outer irregular wire layout shape within the irregular wire layout region nearest to the first regular wire layout shape. A second edge spacing is maintained between the second regular wire layout shape and a second outer irregular wire layout shape within the irregular wire layout region nearest to the second regular wire layout shape. The first and second edge spacings are defined to optimize lithography of the regular and irregular wire layout shapes.

Abstract: An automated on-touch template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, an emulsion PCR (ePCR) thermocycling plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermocycling subsystem, in automated fashion. The ePCR subsystem can continuously thermocycle an inverse emulsion passed therethrough and includes static temperature zones and a consumable thermocycling plate. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.

Abstract: An Oldham coupler assembly capable of transferring rotary power between two shafts in a developer unit of an image forming apparatus that includes an input plate and an output plate made of metal and a star plate made in plastic mechanically coupled and positioned in between the input plate and the output plate. A spline component made of metal is rigidly and integrally attached to the input plate, the spline component including a tubular spline portion that includes a plurality of wear strips made of plastic, the output plate having a plastic material coated along a portion of an outside diameter of the output plate. The input and output plates further include a plurality of openings to receive a plurality of wheels and pins. This structure allows a sufficiently stiff drive system to substantially eliminate fine line jitter by raising the natural frequency of the drive system.

Abstract: Regular layout shapes are placed in accordance with a virtual grate. A determination is made as to whether an unoccupied layout space adjacent to a regular layout shape to be reinforced, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the regular layout shape, is large enough to support placement of a sub-resolution shape. Upon determining that the unoccupied layout space is large enough to support placement of the sub-resolution shape, the sub-resolution shape is placed so as to be substantially centered upon a virtual line of the virtual grate within the unoccupied layout space. Also, one or more sub-resolution shapes are placed between and parallel with neighboring regular layout shapes when windows of lithographic reinforcement associated with each of the neighboring regular layout shapes permit. The sub-resolution shapes may be placed according to a virtual grate, or may be placed based on proximity to edges of the neighboring regular layout shapes.

Abstract: Compositions for the use of sewage or wastewater treatment, controlling odors or a combination thereof are disclosed, wherein the composition comprises at least one iron-based compound. Furthermore, methods of reducing the odors in a sewage or wastewater system are disclosed that include: adding a composition comprising at least one iron-based compound to a sewage or wastewater system. As used herein, the phrase “at least one iron-based compound” includes ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, ferrous sulfate, ferrate, polyferric sulfate, Ferix-3 (Fe2(SO4)3H2O) or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal surgery for retracting soft tissue and mounting between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a relatively rigid frame, a first retractor blade mounted to the frame and a distractor element movably mounted to the frame. The distractor element has a body, a proximal end and a distal end. The distractor element has a thickness and a length. The distractor element is configured for mounting between the superior and inferior spinous processes in a working configuration. The distractor element is generally tapered at the distal end in an insertion configuration. The instrument also includes an insertion shaft attached to the proximal end and a first shaft joint mounted between the frame and the insertion shaft.

Abstract: A composite torque transfer body and spline assembly includes a torque transfer component made of a first material and having a central body portion and a peripheral torque transfer portion integrally attached to and extending about the central body portion, a spline component made of a second material different from and having stiffness greater than that of the first material of the torque transfer component and also having an elongated tubular spline portion and a collar portion integrally attached to and extending about and radially outward from an end of the spline portion, and a plurality of elements on the central body portion of the torque transfer component and the collar portion of the spline component providing separate press-fitting and securing of the components to one another such that the components are mated and rotatable together about a central axis.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods to control access to an interior of an image forming device. The image forming device may include a body with a door that is movable between open and closed positions. In the open position, access is gained to an interior of the body. A controller controls a latch through a motor arrangement to lock and unlock the door. A user interface may be positioned on an exterior of the body to allow a user to enter commands to lock and unlock the door. Additional elements may also be included within the interior of the image forming device and operated with the motor arrangement.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic printing machine has a drive system which includes a first, second and third motor-and-gear-train configurations mounted on a frame and coupled to first, second and third combinations of multiple color developer drive assemblies, multiple color photoconductive drum drive assemblies, a black developer drive assembly and a black photoconductive drum drive assembly. The first and second configurations are operable at first and second motor gear mesh frequencies and the third configuration is operable at a motor gear mesh frequency that can be substantially the same as one of the first and second motor gear mesh frequencies. The first combination includes yellow, cyan and magenta color developer drive assemblies, the second includes yellow and cyan color photoconductive drum drive assemblies, and the third includes a magenta color photoconductive drum drive assembly with the black developer drive assemblies and black photoconductive drum drive assemblies.

Abstract: The application includes various embodiments of devices and methods for mounting a motor within an image forming apparatus. The motor is mounted on a frame and positioned to engage and drive a component within the image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the component is an imaging unit. The frame includes an opening to receive the motor. A locating member is attached to the frame and extends into the opening to contact the motor and provide accurate positioning for engagement with the component. The locating ring provides for a press fit with lower forces. Additional fasteners may fixedly connect the motor to the frame and maintain the accurate positioning provided by the locating member.

Abstract: An Oldham coupler assembly capable of transferring rotary power between two shafts in a developer unit of an image forming apparatus that includes an input plate and an output plate made of metal and a star plate made in plastic mechanically coupled and positioned in between the input plate and the output plate. A spline component made of metal is rigidly and integrally attached to the input plate, the spline component including a tubular spline portion that includes a plurality of wear strips made of plastic, the output plate having a plastic material coated along a portion of an outside diameter of the output plate. The input and output plates further includes a plurality of openings to receive a plurality of wheels and pins. This structure allows a sufficiently stiff drive system to substantially eliminate fine line jitter by raising the natural frequency of the drive system.

Abstract: A composite torque transfer body and spline assembly includes a torque transfer component made of a first material and having a central body portion and a peripheral torque transfer portion integrally attached to and extending about the central body portion, a spline component made of a second material different from and having stiffness greater than that of the first material of the torque transfer component and also having an elongated tubular spline portion and a collar portion integrally attached to and extending about and radially outward from an end of the spline portion, and a plurality of elements on the central body portion of the torque transfer component and the collar portion of the spline component providing separate press-fitting and securing of the components to one another such that the components are mated and rotatable together about a central axis.