Abstract: A method for obtaining a concentrated alcohol solution from a lignocellulosic feedstock. The lignocellulosic feedstock is hydrolyzed to prepare a sugar solution. The sugar solution is fermented to produce a fermentation broth comprising alcohol and at least about 1 g ammonium ions/kg fermentation broth. The alcohol in the fermentation broth is then concentrated by distillation to produce an alcohol-enriched vapour. Either before distillation, during distillation or during the azeotrope breaking process, the concentration of ammonia in the alcohol-enriched vapour can be reduced by acid addition to at most about 300 ppm. The alcohol in the alcohol-rich vapour is then further concentrated by an azeotrope breaking process to provide the concentrated alcohol solution.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.

Abstract: A composite laminate structure includes a first skin; a second skin; and a plurality of distinct groupings of Z-axis fibers that extend from the first skin to the second skin, wherein the Z-axis fibers include opposite ends respectively terminating at and integrated into the first skin and the second skin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first sensor node 100 includes a radio to effect wireless communications; a sensor module 204 to sense a selected parameter; and a scheduler 228 that selects a listen time for the first sensor node, such that, during the listen time, the radio is activated and able to receive wireless signals and, during a time other than the listen time, the radio is deactivated and unable to receive wireless signals, and causes transmission to a second sensor node a first message. The first message includes a time offset from a transmission time of the first message, the time offset indicating a timing of a first listen time for the first sensor node. In response, the node 100 receives, from the second sensor node, a second message, with the time selected by the second sensor node to transmit the second message to the first sensor node being based on the time offset.

Abstract: An inflatable knee airbag can have a plurality of inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers can be formed as independent chambers, rather than a single chamber being divided by an internal tether. The inflatable chambers can be arranged in a serial configuration, wherein the chambers form an “L” shape so that when the airbag is deployed, it conforms to the shape of an instrument panel.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method is adapted to tracking input with a device. The method includes an act of monitoring and acts of activating and displaying if a touch input is detected. The device has a first side and a second side, with the second side opposite the first side. The device has a display screen disposed on the first side, and a screen-reflective interface disposed on the second side. Respective positions on the screen-reflective interface correspond to respective locations of the display screen. The screen-reflective interface of the device is monitored. If a touch input is detected on the screen-reflective interface, the device performs acts of activating and displaying. Specifically, a tracking state is activated for the screen-reflective interface responsive to the detected touch input on the screen-reflective interface. The interface icon is displayed on the display screen to indicate that the tracking state has been activated.

Abstract: A method for viewing a portion of a patient's anatomy that comprises placing a scanner assembly including an oscillating reflector in the anatomy, securing the scanner assembly to an anatomical structure, scanning the anatomy with the scanner assembly secured to the anatomical structure, collecting radiation returned from the scanned anatomy, and generating a displayable image of the anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating a mammalian subject having renal cancer by administration of 4-[bis[2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl]amino]-benzaldehyde. The present invention further features administration protocols and dosing schedules for methods of treating patients having renal cancer and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the treatment methods provided herein.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, computer readable medium, and method for radially-dependent noise reduction in image capturing devices involving an edge-preserving blur window are disclosed. In one embodiment, the edge-preserving blur includes only those pixels in the blur window that are within a threshold value of the blur window's current center pixel in its blurring calculation. By creating a threshold function that varies radially from the center of the image sensor's light intensity falloff function, a more appropriate threshold value can be chosen for each pixel, allowing for more noise farther from the center of the image, and allowing for less noise closer to the center of the image. Light-product information taken from the image's metadata may be used to scale the threshold value parameters dynamically. This allows the method to perform the appropriate amount of processing depending on the lighting situation of the image that is currently being processed.

Abstract: An ink containment system for an inkjet cartridge, for storing ink for printing, comprises a rigid basin member and a rigid moveable plate. A flexible membrane is affixed to a surface of the basin member and to a surface of the plate forming an ink reservoir within the basin member, plate and flexible membrane. A spring-biased mechanism is disposed between the basin member and plate, for biasing the plate apart from the basin member, generating a negative pressure within the ink reservoir and the basin member remaining stationary relative to the movement of the plate. The basin member has a bowl-like configuration and the spring is seated within the reservoir in such a way that when the ink reservoir has collapsed due to depletion of ink, the flexible membrane and moveable plate are substantially flush with surfaces of the basin member.

Abstract: A luminaire includes an electrical base, an optic, and a heat sink disposed between the base and the optic. An LED driver circuit is disposed at least partially within the heat sink, and is disposed in electrical communication with the base. An LED light source is disposed in thermal communication with one or more surfaces of the heat sink, and in electrical communication with the driver circuit, the LED assembly includes an LED module. The light source includes a printed circuit board with a plurality of projections that are bendable such that the projections are arranged on an angle when assembled on the heat sink.

Abstract: A blade assembly 1 has a body 2 having a top, closed end 3, a bottom end 4 formed with an opening 5 at its end, and an interior chamber 6. A blade 7 having two cutting edges 8, 9 is fixed to the body 2, and it may be insert molded. A motor shaft engagement sleeve 10 has an opening 11 adapted to engage a driven shaft (not shown) of a conventional food processor motor (not shown) in order to transmit torque therefrom in order to rotationally drive the blade 7.

Abstract: Managing online content via user supplied and/or refined tagging is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of an item available from an online store is received, and one or more tags to be associated with the item are received from a member of an online community comprising users of the online store. In some embodiments, an indication of a degree of usefulness of a tag is received from a member of an online community, and an attribute of the tag is updated to reflect the indication.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrodes that possess components capable of indicating to an end-user when the electrode is in need of replacement. The electrode includes a substrate and a conductive composition on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. The conductive composition includes at least one hydrogel and at least one component that precipitates from the hydrogel after repeated use of the electrode, thereby providing an indication to replace the electrode.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include first and second mechanical members, with the second mechanical member configured to move between a concealing position, in which the second mechanical member conceals a portion of the first mechanical member, and a revealing position, in which the second mechanical member does not conceal the portion of the first mechanical member. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the second mechanical member toward the concealing position. In some embodiments, a user input device permits a child to lock the first mechanical member in one of a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The portable back scrubbing device provides a polygon frame with beveled edge with perimeter lighting, as well as spaced apart lighting. The device stresses aesthetic appeal, lighting for ease of use in a shower, for example, and a plurality of scrubbing options. The plurality of scrubbing pads is provided in different pads that may be provided in varied heights and widths. Some pads are capable of opposite rotations of other pads for greater effectiveness in any use. The numerous suction cups provide for ensured, removable attachment to many surfaces. The various controls provide for rotation of the circular platform and for rotation of the platform brushes to be opposite that of the platform. Of the many functions, the circular platform motor may also provide for vibration of the pads. Soap control provides for control of liquids to be supplied to a plurality of the pads.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and corresponding methods of their use that include extracts from Loropetalum chinensis, Camptotheca acuminate, Lonicera maackii, Washingtonia filifera, Artemisia parviflora, Glochidion lanceolaris, Polygonum hydropiper, Populus davidiana, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Trema angustifolia, Ficus tikoua, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Carqueja, Condurango, Catuaba, Carex baccans, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Self-calibration of a multiple channel clearance sensor system, which in one embodiment includes at least one sensor for measuring at least one clearance parameter signal between a stationary object and a rotating object of a rotating machine. The sensor output is processed as a clearance parameter by an offset correction section configured to determine an offset error in the clearance parameter signal which is used by a level shifter. The level shifter is also switchably coupled to the clearance parameter signal wherein the output of the level shifter, which may be amplified and digitally converted, is processed by a signal level analyzer to determine a channel gain signal.