Abstract: A system and a method includes determining, with a processor, for each of a plurality of processor-implemented content item sources, an output quality metric based on activity data related to actions accessed from an electronic data storage related to content items previously output by a respective content item source, determining, for each of the ranked lists, based on the output quality metric of the respective content item source, a number of content items of the ranked list eligible for output to a user device, and outputting content items for display on a user interface according to the eligible content items of the ranked lists. Each of the content item sources are configured to output a ranked list of content items stored in the electronic data storage according to a ranking schema different for each of the content item sources.

Abstract: Drip containment device to catch melted confection (For use of frozen confection on the stick or ice cream cone) The drip containment device provides protection for the users hands, clothes, furniture, floor, etc., from messy drips when consuming frozen confection without inconveniencing the user or interfering with the consumption of the frozen confection. In addition the melted confection caught by the present invention is safe to consume. Made from a single piece of flexible material.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a lens, a stepper motor and a tracking error controller. The lens may be positioned in a sled housing. The stepper motor may be configured to (i) move the sled housing in response to a first control signal and (ii) vibrate the lens in response to moving the sled housing. The tracking error controller may be configured to lock the lens to any one of a particular number of disc tracks with a voice coil motor. The voice coil motor may be configured to minimize the vibration of the lens prior to locking the lens to any one of the particular number of disc tracks.

Abstract: A filter assembly has an annular outer wall with a channel for receiving a layer of adhesive and a center ring within the outer wall. A filter media having a plurality of pleats in a closed loop is bonded with adhesive to the outer wall. The assembly is made by rotating the outer wall in a jig and applying a layer of adhesive within the channel. The filter media is positioning the within the outer wall, rotated and allowed to move along a radial path until its outer perimeter contacts the adhesive coated outer wall inner perimeter. The ring is positioned adjacent the filter media inner perimeter.

Abstract: A communication node of the present invention automatically transmits original and duplicate packets over different paths in a communications network to improve delivery reliability of the packet and to decrease packet delivery time. A packet is typically marked for reliable transmission by the application layer of a source node, while a routing agent module within the node IP layer processes the marked packets. The marked packets are transmitted over redundant (e.g., primary and secondary) network paths from the source node to the destination node. The primary path is usually the shortest path between the source and destination nodes, while the secondary path is selected to avoid overlap with the primary path. The application or transport layer of the destination node filters or removes plural copies of received packets.

Abstract: A lid assembly for use with a garbage can having a frame that includes a lip at the bottom of lid and a housing. The housing is defined by a lower wall and a sidewall with an opening. A static electricity sensor is positioned in the housing. The lid assembly also includes a displaceable door that moves with the lip to open the garbage can. So that when the static electricity sensor detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to open the garbage can and when the static electricity sensor does not detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to close the garbage can.

Abstract: A bookmark that easily locate the exact page and line of any size book or paper document. It is made from a one-piece construction with a U-shaped cutout folded inward onto itself to form a clip. The bookmark can clip onto, either the left or right pages of a book without any adjustment. Both sides of the bookmark have flat surfaces, in order to prevent any damage to paper material.

Abstract: An amplifier comprises a first transistor for providing signal amplification, and a second transistor for providing distortion compensation, wherein said second transistor is capable of simultaneously providing more than one form of distortion compensation. A first signal path passes through a first transistor to provide signal gain, and a second signal path passes through a second transistor to provide distortion compensation.

Abstract: A monthly planner comprises two or three grids each representing a separate month. The grids are blank and are completed by writing in months that they represent and the days of the months. Information relating to tasks to be carried out or activities occurring during the months may be written in the appropriate days in the grids. The grids are arranged on a sheet of plastic or cardboard and are held in position by retainers. The retainers are constructed so that the order of the grids can be rearranged.

Abstract: A Wiegand Converter for generating a bi-directional data includes a Terminal Data Separator, a Switch Controller, a Bi-directional Switch to control the Input or Output Wiegand Data send through a Bi-directional Wiegand Data Line. The Received Data sent to Converter and Transmitted Data received From Converter are in recognized computer form such as ASCII. The unsecured Wiegand protocols can then be manipulated by a terminal or transmitted it via a secured form or different data communication protocols and reversed it back to an acceptable Wiegand form for controlling the devices to be located at remote sites or in separate compartments.

Abstract: A method of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis administers an effective amount of a compound that inhibits phospho-diesterase-4.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for acquiring a value of back electromotive force of an electric motor which includes: (a) applying a first current as input to the electric motor and measuring a first voltage across the electric motor; (b) applying a second current as input to the electric motor and measuring a second voltage across the electric motor; (c) determining a resistance of the electric motor using the first and second voltages and the first and second currents; (d) applying a third current to the electric motor and measuring a third voltage across the electric motor; and (e) determining a value of the back electromotive force using: (i) the third current, the third voltage, the first current, the first voltage, and the resistance; or (ii) the third current, the third voltage, the second current, the second voltage, and the resistance.