Abstract: A system for automatically increasing a capacity of a virtual space in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operating on the processor for detecting an attempt by an avatar to enter a virtual space in a virtual world. The system may also include another module for determining if an allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. The allowable number of avatars may be determined by at least a capacity of a server that is hosting the virtual space. Another module may be provided for increasing a capacity of the virtual space when the allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. Increasing the capacity of the virtual space may include spawning a replicate new virtual space on a different server in response to the capacity of the server that is hosting the virtual space reaching the allowable number of avatars.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions and processes for depolymerizing polyolefin-based feed into useful petrochemical products are described. The compositions are a composite of a zeolite catalyst component and a co-catalyst comprising an activated clay component and/or a solid base component. These catalyst systems, along with heat, are used to both increase the depolymerization reaction rate of the feed streams and suppress poisoning effects of impurities that may be present in the polyolefin-based feed. This results in a shorter residence time in the depolymerization unit and more efficient process.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.

Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: Systems, techniques, and devices are described that may be used in a minimally invasive bone realignment procedure. In some examples, a method of performing a minimally invasive metatarsal correction procedure involves using a bone preparation guide having a guide surface with a length less than a diameter of a bone to be cut using the guide surface. The clinician can guide a bone preparation instrument along the guide surface and angle the bone preparation instrument beyond one or both ends of the guide surface to cut the end of the underlying bone beyond one or both of the ends.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions for depolymerizing polyolefin-based waste material into useful petrochemical products and methods of use are described. The catalytic compositions are mixed metal oxides demonstrating equal or higher conversion than noncatalytic pyrolysis. These mixed metal oxide catalysts and a polyolefin-based material are heated in the presence of oxygen to form a product comprising one or more olefin monomers.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a moveable arm configured for movement within an optical disc storage system. A disc kicker device includes a stop portion, an actuator and an actuator tip that contacts an optical disc. The disc kicker device is connected to the moveable arm. The calibration system: determines an operation state based on a stop position for the actuator tip in response to an applied torque to the disc kicker device, and performs alignment of the actuator tip with the optical disc.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a moveable arm configured for movement within an optical disc storage system. A disc kicker device includes a stop portion, an actuator and an actuator tip that contacts an optical disc. The disc kicker device is connected to the moveable arm. The calibration system: determines an operation state based on a stop position for the actuator tip in response to an applied torque to the disc kicker device, and performs alignment of the actuator tip with the optical disc.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion. The curved portion includes multiple ribs that define multiple disc slots. The disc slots are configured to hold multiple discs that are spaced apart by the ribs. The disc cassette further includes multiple index features positioned on an inside edge of the curved portion. The index features are configured to allow alignment of a kicker device of a disc retrieval unit (DRU) to a disc of the disc cassette to lift the disc into a disc gripper device without disturbing one or more other discs of the disc cassette that are adjacent to the disc.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a moveable arm configured for movement within an optical disc storage system. A disc kicker device includes an actuator and an actuator tip that contacts an optical disc. The disc kicker device is connected to the moveable arm. The calibration system performs a calibration operation to calibrate the actuator at the actuator tip to correct displacement error.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette except when rotated off the discs.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. The disc cassette further includes a bottom side including track connectors configured to position the disc cassette relative to one or more track portions that hold the disc cassette in place. The disc cassette is slideable along the one or more track portions.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette except when rotated off the discs.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette except when rotated off the discs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first jaw device, a second jaw device, and a disc sensor configured to sense presence of a storage disc between the first jaw device and the second jaw device. The first jaw device and the second jaw device form a gripper device configured to clamp a particular portion of a storage disc including an arc segment along an outer edge of adjacent surfaces of the storage disc.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette except when rotated off the discs.

Abstract: Embodiments relate a universal serial bus (USB) filter hub. An aspect includes receiving, by the USB filter hub that is in communication with a host computer system, a connection from a USB device at a USB port of the USB filter hub. Another aspect includes determining, by the USB filter hub, a type of the USB device. Another aspect includes determining whether the type of the USB device is valid. Yet another aspect includes, based on determining that the type of the USB device is valid, filtering commands that are communicated between the USB device and the host computer system via the USB filter hub based on a predetermined command set corresponding to the determined type of the USB device.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette.

Abstract: Supporting of both reading and writing data to a storage media is provided. A data request is received and a storage medium to support the data request is identified. A parameter related to the data request is retrieved and pre-loaded to an associated media accessor prior to loading the storage media. The parameter includes a setting adjustment of the media accessor in support of the data request. The media accessor performs the data request in compliance with the setting adjustment.

Abstract: An optical disc drive includes a spindle connected to an optical assembly. A disc clamp device is configured to hold an optical disc on the spindle. A contiguous opening on at least two adjacent sides in a plane of a disc mount position intersect at a common corner of the optical disc drive.