Abstract: In many computing scenarios, individual profiles are generated from facts specified by, observed about, and/or inferred about individuals, and may be used to personalize services to such individual. Such facts may include details provoking a sensitivity of an individual, and it may be undesirable to reveal the collection and use of such facts to the individual; however, such facts may also enable accurately personalized service. These considerations may be balanced by partitioning the individual profile into a foreground profile, comprising facts that are revealed to the individual, and a background profile, comprising facts that are collected about but not revealed to the individual. Services may be covertly personalized for the individual based on the sensitive information stored in the background profile (e.g., restaurant recommendations that are overtly recommended based on the current location of the individual, and also covertly selected based on an inferred income level of the individual).

Abstract: Bi-directional personal communication systems and processes may be utilized to control unmanned systems. Such systems and processes may enable operator interface with unmanned systems as a replacement or a supplement to use of specialized hardware and rich, graphical interfaces. The bi-directional communication systems and methods also may be integrated as a subsystem within a ground control station. The system may include a personal communications device with a native interface for an operator to select command, control and/or communication (C3) messages to interact with the unmanned system, and a communication link operable to send the C3 messages selected by the operator to the unmanned system, wherein the unmanned system includes a receiver that receives the C3 messages over the communication link and an onboard computing device that processes and responds to the C3 messages received by the receiver.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a disposable cassette including a flexible sheet; a hardware unit including (i) at least one pump actuator and piston head moved by the pump actuator, (ii) at least one valve actuator, (iii) at least one sensor, and (iv) a disposable cassette interface for interfacing with the disposable cassette, the disposable cassette interface including: (a) at least one pump aperture, the at least one piston head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to move a corresponding pumping portion of the flexible sheet of the disposable cassette, the piston head moving within a vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber enabling a vacuum to be pulled around the piston head to the flexible sheet of the disposable cassette; (b) at least one valve aperture, at least a portion of the at least one valve actuator located in the valve aperture to move a valve portion of the flexible sheet of the disposable cassette; and (c) at least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor

Abstract: A splicer device is disclosed herein. The splicer device includes a main body having an internal passage formed between a first end of the main body and a second end of the main body. The first end of the main body is configured to receive at least one first wire, and the second end of the main body is configured to receive at least one second wire. A window is disposed within the main body and in communication with the internal passage between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body for accessing and splicing the at least one first wire and the at least one second wire.

Abstract: An improved spiral oven and method for its use includes the step of using a forward/reversing fan to produce a first airflow and a second inverted airflow in the cooking chamber. The proportion of time each airflow occurs may be unbalanced within an oven residence time or cook cycle, and either airflow may begin the cycle. The first airflow creates a flow across the cook belt predominantly at the top and bottom tiers, whereas the second airflow creates this flow predominantly in the middle tiers. A braking resistor allows the fan to quickly changeover between full-forward and full-reverse directions. Because of the reversing airflow pattern, the product cooks more evenly across the cook belt.

Abstract: A system and method for pasteurizing the surface of a food product includes a flame pasteurizing means arranged to transfer heat to an outer layer of the food product as it is carried by a cook belt. The flame pasteurizing means provides a medium that engulfs more than 50% of the surface area of the skin or outer layer and raises the temperature of the outer layer to at least 145° F. (about 62.8° C.). A washing means, arranged at an exit point of the flame pasteurizing means, removes the raised temperature outer layer and stops heat transfer to an adjacent inner layer of the food product. The pasteurized and washed product retains the same color and flavor as that of the unpasteurized product.

Abstract: In some cases, it is desirable to perform doping when manufacturing a solar cell to improve efficiency. Dopant diffusion may include the steps of: (a) an initial temperature ramp, (b) dopant vapor flow, (c) drive-in, and (d) cool down. However, doping may result in excessive doping, such as in regions where the solar cell has been nanoscale textured to provide black silicon, thereby creating a dead zone with excessive recombination of charge carriers. In the systems and method discussed herein, dopant vapor flow and drive-in steps may be performed at two different temperature set points to minimize or eliminate the formation of dead zones. In some embodiments, the dopant vapor flow may be performed at a lower temperature set point than the drive-in.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a rotary machine is disclosed herein. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a squeeze film cylinder, a damper spring, and a journal bearing. The squeeze film cylinder is located within the bearing housing. The damper spring includes a first portion, a second portion, and a spring portion. The first portion is located proximal the first end. The second portion is located proximal the second end. The spring portion extends axially between the first portion and the second portion and is located within the bearing housing.

Abstract: A process for producing precooked bacon slices comprising the steps of (a) conveying bacon slices through a spiral oven, (b) indirectly cooking the bacon slices in the spiral oven using a cooking medium which is circulated within the oven at a low rate sufficient to prevent the bacon slices from being displaced on the conveyor, and (c) adding steam to the cooking medium as necessary to at least reduce the percentage or substantially eliminate the presence of air in the cooking medium.

Abstract: An improved spiral oven and method for its use includes the step of using a forward/reversing fan to produce a first airflow and a second inverted airflow in the cooking chamber. The proportion of time each airflow occurs may be unbalanced within an oven residence time or cook cycle, and either airflow may begin the cycle. In addition, the fan velocity may vary so that the speed of the first airflow is different from the speed of the second airflow. A braking resistor allows the fan to quickly changeover between full-forward and full-reverse directions, while a programmable delay limits adjustments to the heat output control method until temperature variations caused by alternating between the first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation have stabilized. Because of the reversing airflow pattern, the product cooks more evenly across the cook belt.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor die including at least one deep silicon via is provided. The deep silicon via comprises a deep silicon via opening that extends through at least one pre-metal dielectric layer of the semiconductor die, at least one epitaxial layer of the semiconductor die, and partially into a conductive substrate of the semiconductor die. The deep silicon via further comprises a conductive plug situated in the deep silicon via opening and forming an electrical contact with the conductive substrate. The deep silicon via may include a sidewall dielectric layer and a bottom conductive layer. A method for making a deep silicon via is also disclosed. The deep silicon via is used to, for example, provide a ground connection for power transistors in the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically linking partitions on storage media for use within a storage management system is provided to minimize wasted space on the storage media, the time and expense traditionally spent reclaiming partitions containing invalid data, and the computer processing capability required to write data to and read data from the storage media. The storage management system includes a partitioned storage tape, a host application running on a server, and an archive device. The host application is operative to track location information for each host file or data object written to the storage tape. Using the location information, the host application is able to identify one or more “free” or writable partitions that are created on the storage tape as host files expire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for etching the surface of a substrate may utilize a thin layer of fluid to etch a substrate for improved anti-reflective properties. The substrate may be secured with a holding fixture that is capable of positioning the substrate. A fluid comprising an acid and an oxidizer for etching may be prepared, which may optionally include a metal catalyst. An amount of fluid necessary to form a thin layer contacting the surface of the substrate to be etched may be dispensed. The fluid may be spread into the thin layer utilizing a tray that the substrate is dipped into, a plate that is placed near the surface of the substrate to be etched, or a spray or coating device.

Abstract: Silylethynyl pentacenes and compositions containing silylethynyl pentacenes are disclosed. Exemplary pentacene compounds have 6,13-silylethynyl substitution with one or more groups (e.g., R, R? and R?) covalently bonded to each Si atom of the silylethynyl groups. Methods of making and using silylethynyl pentacenes and compositions containing silylethynyl pentacenes are also disclosed. Substrates and devices comprising the silylethynyl pentacenes and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel p75 heterodimer specific anti-human IL-12 antibodies that are characterized by a higher potency and greater efficacy in neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity than known heterodimer specific IL-12 monoclonal antibodies. The heterodimer specific antibodies recognize one or more epitopes of the human IL-12 p75 heterodimer, but do not bind to the p40 subunit alone. The heterodimer specific IL-12 antibodies neutralize rhesus monkey IL-12 bioactivity with a potency similar to their potency for neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity making them useful IL-12 antagonists for in vivo studies in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract: An apparatus, a loop burner element, and a method for surface-roasting a food product wherein the roasting apparatus comprises (a) a conveyor which carries the food product and (b) at least one non-linear ribbon flame burner element or element assembly which preferably applies a ribbon flame to at least the upper and side surfaces of the food product as it is conducted through the roasting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for migrating data from a sender system located in an on-premise computing environment. The method includes importing by a receiver system located in a cloud-based computing environment coupled to the sender system via a network a program of data code and table structures exported from the sender system and transferred to the receiver system via the network. The method also includes importing by the receiver system at least one data flat file exported from the sender system and transferred to the receiver system via the network.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a sound card or an internal capability for generating sounds from a digital music or sound file. The medical instrument is one which generates unwanted noise and is constantly in the presence of a patient or an operator, and may be in a home, a clinic, a laboratory, or other intimate setting. For instance, a patient may be typically connected for hours to a hemodialysis machine that has a noisy pump. A blood-plasma volunteer may be hooked to a noisy blood separation machine for a period of time. A laboratory technician may work in close proximity to a sample preparation machine that constantly gurgles and whirrs. In each instance, a sound card and a speaker can generate previously-recorded masking noises that make that the presence and operation of the machine more tolerable.

Abstract: A clamp element is provided that has a T-shaped body with laterally extending portions on either side of a radially projecting tang. A plurality of the clamp elements are joined together in an array to form a clamp assembly with the tangs facing outwardly. Straps having looped ends are disposed around the array. The looped ends of the straps are engaged with respective cross bar members. Adjacent cross bar members are connected together by means of a threaded bar which is arranged to tighten the straps around the array of clamp elements.