Abstract: A system for detecting and communicating the presence of one or more computing devices is presented. The invention also presents a method and system for aggregating presence information generated by multiple devices associated with a single user. A server acting as a presence agent on behalf of a first user receives and responds to a subscription request generated by a computing device operated by a second user that wishes to be permitted as a watcher of the first user. When the second user corresponds to access preferences specified by the first user, a notify message is sent to the second user's device that includes presence information indicative of an activity level and availability level associated with the first user. When the first user employs multiple computing devices, the server generates an aggregate presence document that is representative of the overall presence of the first user.

Abstract: An object positioning system (100) for tracking the location of an object (142) comprises a base station (120) including a computer (124) coupled to at least a first receiver (122). The object (142) is fitted with a tag (140) having a limited signal transmission range, which is typically too weak to be directly received by the first receiver (122). A user (180) wears a portable transceiver (160), which activates the base station (120) by means of an object-related signal when within reception range of the signal transmitted by the tag (140). The computer (124) determines the location of the portable transceiver (160) worn by the user (180), and associates this position with the position of the object (142). As soon as the user (180) moves outside the signal transmission range of the tag (140), the object-related signal is terminated and the last known position of the portable transceiver (160) is used as the new location of the object (142).

Abstract: A method for selecting an application to deliver content in a networked consumer environment (12) is based on multiple factors. Generally, application selection is based on factors associated with a desired content to be communicated and/or rendered, a desired location and certain capabilities and conditions of applications and consumer electronic (CE) devices in a network (18). In various embodiments, the method is based on any combination of equivalent content, content type, sink resource, content source, preference, and resource availability factors. In another aspect of the invention, a consumer environment for multi-factor application selection includes a network with various combination of sink resources (22), source resources (24), processing resources (26, 30), and external communication resources (28, 32). The network (18) may also include mobile devices (34).

Abstract: The instant invention provides for an electrically and thermally conductive silicone adhesive composition comprising an alkenyl siloxane, a hydrido-siloxane, an electrically and thermally conductive filler, an optional thermally conductive filler, an adhesion promoter that does not deactivate the hydrosilylation catalyst, and a hydrosilylation catalyst and a hydrosilylation catalyst inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of controlling content rendering to one or more content rendering devices (22, 24, 26, 28) associated with a consumer environment (12) includes receiving an initial content reference from within the consumer environment. Zero or more equivalent content references associated with the initial content reference are identified. A preferred equivalent content reference associated with the consumer environment is selected from the initial content reference and the equivalent content references. A content instance described by the preferred equivalent content reference is rendered on a first content rendering device. The method may also include selecting a preferred content rendering device associated with the consumer environment. The preferred content rendering device is compatible with the preferred equivalent content reference. A content instance described by the preferred equivalent content reference is then rendered to the preferred content rendering device.

Abstract: A nanostructure having at least one nanotube and at least one chemical moiety non-covalently attached to the at least one nanotube. At least one dendrimer is bonded to the chemical moiety. The chemical moiety may include soluble polymers, soluble oligomers, and combinations thereof. A method of dispersing at least one nanotube is also described. The method includes providing at least one nanotube and at least one chemical moiety to a solvent; debundling the nanotube; and non- covalently attaching a chemical moiety to the nanotube, wherein the non-covalently attached chemical moiety disperses the nanotube. A method of separating at least one semi-conducting carbon nanotube is also described.

Abstract: A look-ahead detection system (LADS) that actively controls the suspension of at least some of the seats in a watercraft to drastically reduce the shock and/or vibrations experienced by passengers within the seats caused by waves, other water conditions and/or the bending of the craft as it travels through the water. The look-ahead detection system utilizes downward-looking sensors to help the system predict when the craft will strike the water and how strong the impact will be. That is, the look-ahead detection system uses the sensors to look forward in time and down in space.

Abstract: A communication system including a personal communication device that allows a user to communicate over the Internet with a network of multiple remote databases and to search the databases for desired product-related information from any location. The communication device includes an input mechanism, such as a bar code scanner or OCR reader, for entering product information such as product codes from product labels. The communication device establishes a communication link with a communications server, and the product information is transmitted to the server, which interfaces with one or more product information libraries to determine a product identifier based on the input product information. The product identifier is used by the server to search various databases over the Internet for desired product-related information in response to a search query from the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally stable supports and catalysts for use in high temperature operation, and methods of preparing such supports and catalysts, which includes adding a rare earth metal to an aluminum-containing precursor prior to calcining. The present invention can be more specifically seen as a support, process and catalyst wherein the thermally stable support comprises two rare earth aluminates of different molar ratios of aluminum to rare earth metal, and optionally, alumina and/or a rare earth oxide. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of noble metal catalysts comprising the thermally stable support for synthesis gas production via partial oxidation of light hydrocarbon (e.g., methane) with minimal deactivation over long-term operations and further relates to gas-to-liquids conversion processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of managing a media system (103, 201, 208) with a group identifier in a network (210) of media systems. The invention further relates to a media system for managing a network of media systems with a group identifier. The media system can be may be a set-top box, a TV, a PC, a DVD player, a radio, a screen, a camera or a VCR. Said method includes the steps of determining a status of the network, wherein the status represents the group identifier, presence and/or absence of at least one media system; and determining the group identifier for at least one media system based on the determined status.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer composition derived from a bis-phenol comprising a conjugated aromatic radical, optionally comprising nitrogen. Suitable bis-phenols as well as methods for making said polymer are also disclosed. Also disclosed are electroactive layers comprising said polymer and electroactive devices comprising said layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining, calculating, and/or viewing a trajectory. The trajectory can be displayed on a display relative to image data of a patient. A user can use the system to determine relationships between two or more trajectories that have been determined. The relationships can be within two dimensional, three-dimensional, or four dimensional space. The relationships can include distance, angle, etc. The relationships can also be determined between real time trajectories and stored trajectories, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A control pedal disabling device includes a housing having a side opening or notch for receiving a pedal assembly component. The opening has a forward surface for bearing against the underside of a pedal assembly component. A rod is slidably mounted to the housing. The rod is movable across the opening to trap the pedal assembly component in the opening. The rod is also movable forwardly from the housing to bear against a vehicle floor, thereby preventing movement of the pedal assembly component toward the vehicle floor.

Abstract: An air management system for improved airflow within a vehicle carburetor or fuel injection throttle-body. The air management system comprises a divider plate positioned within the airflow passage of the carburetor or fuel injection throttle body. Several embodiments utilize air pressure equalizing apertures for equalizing fluid pressures above and below the divider plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.

Abstract: A static deck oven has a flat conducting element (17) located between a cooking shelf (13) and lower heaters (15) The conducting element is connected to and in heat transfer relationship with a water-containing trough (18) inside the oven space Heat passes through the element to the trough and converts the water into steam, which provides a beneficial surface effect to the products being cooked. A computerised controller (22) determines extra energy required to convert a particular dose of water into steam, and controls the energy input to the heaters accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation for a reactive dye layer for a limited-play optical storage medium, the reactive formulation including at least one carrier material or curable acrylate monomer, at least one reactive material disposed within the carrier material or acrylate monomer, and at least one photo-bleaching retarder material disposed within the at least one adhesive material. The at least one photo-bleaching retarder material includes at least one polymeric polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxystyrenes, cellulose, and functionalized cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: Thermal interface compositions contain both non-electrically conductive micron-sized fillers and electrically conductive nanoparticles blended with a polymer matrix. Such compositions increase the bulk thermal conductivity of the polymer composites as well as decrease thermal interfacial resistances that exist between thermal interface materials and the corresponding mating surfaces. Such compositions are electrically non-conductive. Formulations containing nanoparticles also show less phase separation of micron-sized particles than formulations without nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods for use of pharmaceutical compositions containing an opioid agonist analgesic and an ?3?4 nicotinic receptor antagonist effective to separate the brain-derived wanting of the opioid from the analgesic or anti-diarrhea effect of the opioid agonist.

Abstract: A free-standing, partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide an open space of a room, comprising a plurality of first partition panels, each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the first partition panel such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel such that the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide the open space of a room.