Abstract: A tactile feedback actuator includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a gap, and a surface layer above the first and second electrodes. The first electrode receives a first stimulus voltage at a first frequency and the second electrode receives a second stimulus voltage at a second frequency, and the first and second electrodes superimpose the first and second stimulus voltages to generate a total voltage that has a beat frequency less than a perception threshold frequency. An object in contact with a portion of the surface layer is caused to vibrate at the beat frequency. The first electrode and the second electrode may constitute an electrode array including a plurality of column electrode segments, and a plurality of row electrode segments. An object in contact with a portion of the surface layer above one or more electrode segments is caused to vibrate at the beat frequency.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a stationary component provided to the housing, an impeller positioned between the inlet of the housing and the stationary component, and a motor adapted to drive the impeller. The stationary component includes a tube portion structured to retain and align a pair of bearings that rotatably support a rotor to which the impeller is coupled. The tube portion includes a diameter in a side closest to the impeller that is sufficient size to accommodate adhesive to retain one of the bearings.

Abstract: A system and method of resuming media playback on a mobile device can include playing media on a mobile device and outputting audio associated with the playing media to an audio output device. The media can be paused in response to receiving an interrupt request. A play request can be received to resume playing of the media on the mobile device. A determination can be made as to whether the audio output device is communicatively coupled to the mobile device. The media can resume play in response to the audio output device being communicatively coupled to the mobile device. In another implementation, media can resume play if a determination is made that the audio output device outputting the audio associated with the media before the interrupt request is the same audio output device that will output audio associated with the media after the interrupt request.

Abstract: A railway for an overhead camera surveillance system comprises a track comprising a plurality of flexible track segments joined end-to-end, the track being configured to define at least one rail along which at least one motorized camera carriage suspended therefrom is moveable.

Abstract: Travel-demand forecasting methods are described for predicting traffic volume based, at least in part, on user-entered data in the form of anticipated traffic routes, demographic data and/or other types of socioeconomic data. This data can source a prediction algorithm or be used to forecast traffic patterns. Methods and systems are described for, among other things, optimizing traffic predictions, forecasting traffic patterns using user-assigned trip patterns, associating rich attribute information to navigation routes, exposing personal-logistic information to a group, communicating traffic-situation-generated alerts based on user information, optimizing a presentation of user-defined traffic routes, and presenting location indications based on proximity (temporal or geographical).

Abstract: Non-sequential monitoring of battery cells in battery monitoring systems, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a battery monitoring system control unit is provided. The battery monitoring system control unit is configured to control battery monitoring devices. Each battery monitoring device is configured to be coupled to a subset of battery cells electrically connected in series in a sequential order to form a battery. The battery monitoring system control unit is further configured to instruct the battery monitoring devices to test an ohmic value of each battery cell of the battery cells of the battery in a non-sequential order. In this manner, heat generated in the battery monitoring devices from the testing may be more effectively dissipated, which can also allow for the battery monitoring devices to be employed in higher operating temperature environments.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device such as a dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load such as a high-efficiency lighting load may be provided. The load control device may include a bidirectional semiconductor switch coupled between the source and the load and a controller operable to control the bidirectional semiconductor switch. The load control device may also include a front accessible trimming actuator to adjust a low end intensity setting of the load control device. The trimming actuator may be coupled to the controller such that the controller may control the bidirectional semiconductor switch appropriately. Additionally, the trimming actuator may include indicia to help a user readily identify the proper low end intensity setting.

Abstract: A mask assembly (10) is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body (12) and a breathing circuit interface (16). The mask body includes an opening (13) for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure (20) for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion (17) rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion (19) that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit (18) for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cartridge (100), such as an injection cartridge, and to a needle system (200) therefore. Further, the invention refers to a combination of such an injection cartridge and a needle system. More specifically, the invention refers to a closure system for an injection cartridge which allows attachment of a needle system to the cartridge.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to controlling interactions between one or more components of a computer system, where each component is assigned a fixed security level and all currently active and newly requested interactions between components of the system are monitored.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote access to a JAVA application using views. In accordance with some implementations, the JAVA application may create one or more user interfaces as JPanels. The JPanels may be replaced by remote JPanels that are communicated by a server remote access application to a client computing device. The client computing device execute a client remote access program that instantiates one or more views, where each corresponds to a remoted JPanel. User inputs may be received in the views and synchronized to the JAVA application's user interface.

Abstract: A foam assembly connectable to a liquid container includes a main pump body, a resiliently deformable piston dome, an air chamber, a liquid chamber, a mixing zone and a porous member. The main pump body has an exit nozzle with the porous member therein. The air chamber and the liquid chamber are each defined by the piston dome and the main pump body. The liquid chamber has a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. The mixing zone is in flow communication with the air chamber and the liquid chamber. The volume of the air chamber and the liquid chamber are each dependent on the position of piston dome and during an activation stroke the piston moves from the at rest position to the depressed position and responsively the volume of the air chamber and the volume of the liquid chamber are reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to the veracity of information displayed to a user of a computer, and information provided to a computer by human input devices such as mice and keyboards. A digital video guard (DVG) device is a peripheral that is retrofitted to commodity computer devices. The DVG resides in-line with a digital display and enables secure end-to-end interactions between a user and a displayed (usually remote) application. In-band signalling within the digital video stream is used to carry encrypted information from a local or remote source, over untrusted network infrastructure through the digital video guard device to a user. The DVG decrypts and verifies the integrity of the digital video. The integrity of the displayed information is indicated by a trusted LED on the DVG hardware. Portions of the video signal may be designated as trusted, if the received data has been encrypted, signed, or labelled as trustworthy.

Abstract: RO membranes using chlorinated water as a feed stream maybe protected from damage by the chlorine with a protective layer including reactive nitrogen which forms chloromines on the surface of the membrane that reduce chlorine penetration. This protective layer also provides substantial anti-fouling capabilities, whether used with a chlorinated or unchlorinated feed stream because the chloramines are anti-bacterial. Although chlorine is lost in use, the anti-fouling layer or coating can be recharged with additional chlorine without damaging the discrimination layer. The anti-fouling layer or coating may be advantageously used with Thin film composite, TFC, membranes for use in forward and reverse osmosis may include nanoparticles, monohydrolyzed and/or di-hydrolyzed TMC, and/or alkaline earth alkaline metal complexes or other additives.

Abstract: A method and devices for providing secure data backup from a mobile communication device to an external computing device is described. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of backing up data from a mobile communication device to an external computing device, the mobile communication device being in communication with the external computing device, the method includes: receiving a request to backup one or more data items stored on the mobile communication device; encrypting a data item using an encryption key stored in a protected memory of the mobile communication device; and transferring the encrypted data item to the external computing device for storage by the external computing device. A method of restoring backup data to a mobile communication device from an external computing device is also provided, as are mobile communication devices and computing devices configured for implementing the backup and restore operations.

Abstract: A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine.

Abstract: A capability progress modeling component for determining the progress of adoption of an on-demand capabilities model by an organization, the deployment progress component comprising: a completion state descriptor component for receiving inputs from an entity describing a current state, a target state and a modeled state for the organization; and a state comparator component for comparing the current state and modeled state with the target status to derive a set of parameters, the state comparator component analyzing the set of parameters to determine deviation points indicating capability areas requiring attention in order for the organization to progress to an on-demand capabilities model.

Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A method of pairing a first device with a second device is disclosed. Accordingly, an image that includes encoded data is generated. The encoded data includes a unique identifier for identifying the first device and an arbitrary security code. The first device displays the image on a display. The second device captures the image using an image sensing device. The encoded data is decoded to generate a decoded data. The second device sends the decoded data to a server that is communicatively connected to the first device and the second device. Upon receiving the decoded data and using the unique identifier, the server communicates with the first device to verify the arbitrary security code.

Abstract: A potato chip that has more oil near its outer surfaces than in its interior and a unique RVA profile is disclosed. The organoleptic properties of the inventive potato chips compare favorably to known and commercially available potato chips.