Abstract: Disclosed is a lid for a drinking cup with a detachable headband. The lid is removably securable to a drinking cup to prevent or minimize spills. A wearable headband attaches to the lid, frictionally secured between at least two protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the lid. The headband is attached to the lid by snapping it into place between the two protrusions and can be detached from the lid for wearing by a user. A recess may be formed in the lid between the protrusions so that an upper surface of the headband may extend generally flush with the upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and fragments that bind to a V-domain Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA), and methods of eliciting certain biological responses using the antibodies. Compositions and methods of using anti-VISTA antibodies in combination with one or more antibodies that bind to immune checkpoint proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional gesture input to a computing device can be improved by providing a mechanism to lock or reduce the effects of motion in unintended directions. In one example, a user can navigate in two dimensions, then provide a selection action through motion in a third dimension. If a computing device analyzing the gesture is able to detect the selection action, the device can limit motion outside the corresponding third dimension in order to ensure that the proper selection action is performed. Various thresholds, values, or motions can be used to limit motion in one or more axes for any appropriate purpose as discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and fragments that bind to a V-domain Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA), and methods of eliciting certain biological responses using the antibodies. Methods of identifying anti-VISTA antibodies capable of eliciting certain biological responses are also included.

Abstract: Rotation speed control systems for an Electronically Commutated (EC) motor and method for controlling rotation speed of an EC motor are described. An rotation speed control system includes a phase detector for detecting a period, an ON time interval, an OFF time interval, and zero crossing time points of the phase cut AC signal; a voltage regulator for converting the phase cut an AC signal into a DC signal; a controller for generating a compatible waveform to drive the EC motor with a rotation speed instructed by the controller, in accordance with an ON/OFF time ratio determined based on the ON time interval and OFF time interval of the phase cut AC signal; and an EC motor interface, powered by the DC signal, for driving each of a plurality of windings of the EC motor with the compatible waveform.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional gesture input to a computing device can be improved by providing a mechanism to lock or reduce the effects of motion in unintended directions. In one example, a user can navigate in two dimensions, then provide a selection action through motion in a third dimension. If a computing device analyzing the gesture is able to detect the selection action, the device can limit motion outside the corresponding third dimension in order to ensure that the proper selection action is performed. Various thresholds, values, or motions can be used to limit motion in one or more axes for any appropriate purpose as discussed herein.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional gesture input to a computing device can be improved by providing a mechanism to lock or reduce the effects of motion in unintended directions. In one example, a user can navigate in two dimensions, then provide a selection action through motion in a third dimension. If a computing device analyzing the gesture is able to detect the selection action, the device can limit motion outside the corresponding third dimension in order to ensure that the proper selection action is performed. Various thresholds, values, or motions can be used to limit motion in one or more axes for any appropriate purpose as discussed herein.

Abstract: A slouch correction device and a method of operation is provided for use in a chair, in which the slouch correction device is predominantly a loose seat cover on which a patient would sit, one or more straps from the seat cover which pass through an opening between the chair back and seat to secure to a separate harness or to form a harness about the waist of a caregiver, such that a care giver is able to pull on the harness to slide the seat cover and patient seated thereon back into an improved, upright posture position, while using free hands to hold the chair in a steady position. The slouch correction device provided with various improvements, including dual side handles for two person lifts, means to keep straps in safe and easily accessed position when not in use, and comfort features on the harness.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of pyridinone carboxylic acid aldehydes such as 5-methoxy-6-(methoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-1-(2-oxoethyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A real property tax lien categorization and rating system and associated methods that facilitate classifications and ratings of tax liens from various counties of numerous states in the country, according to a common referenceable category scheme that facilitates identification of liens having common underlying real property characteristics, investment characteristics or other characteristics. In one example, a computer accesses a county server and its tax lien database via the Internet. The computer categorizes the tax liens, for instance into subgroups, and determines a rating for the tax liens based on one or more characteristics. The categorized tax lien information and the ratings of each tax lien are stored by the computer, for instance on one or more databases, so that this information is made available to third-party computers or computing devices (such as mobile devices or tablets) used by potential investors to evaluate the possible purchase of such tax liens.

Abstract: A slouch correction device and a method of operation is provided for use in a chair, in which the slouch correction device is predominantly a loose seat cover on which a patient would sit, one or more straps from the seat cover which pass through an opening between the chair back and seat to secure to a separate harness or to form a harness about the waist of a caregiver, such that a care giver is able to pull on the harness to slide the seat cover and patient seated thereon back into an improved, upright posture position, while using free hands to hold the chair in a steady position. The slouch correction device provided with various improvements, including dual side handles for two person lifts, means to keep straps in safe and easily accessed position when not in use, and comfort features on the harness.

Abstract: In-process weld geometry methods and systems are discussed, enabled, and provided. Some embodiments include in-process welding devices to compensate for error associated with detected weld penetration depth. Exemplary devices can generally include an ultrasonic energy source, an ultrasonic receiving sensor, and a controller. The ultrasonic energy source can be disposed to generate ultrasonic energy through a first specimen being welded to a second specimen. A weld seam can be used to join the first specimen to the second specimen. The ultrasonic sensor can be disposed on an opposite side of the weld seam from the ultrasonic energy source, and configured to detect ultrasonic energy propagated from the first specimen side of the weld seam to the second specimen side of the weld seam.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional gesture input to a computing device can be improved by providing a mechanism to lock or reduce the effects of motion in unintended directions. In one example, a user can navigate in two dimensions, then provide a selection action through motion in a third dimension. If a computing device analyzing the gesture is able to detect the selection action, the device can limit motion outside the corresponding third dimension in order to ensure that the proper selection action is performed. Various thresholds, values, or motions can be used to limit motion in one or more axes for any appropriate purpose as discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of carbamoylpyridone derivatives and intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the provision of a Website portal for matching potential applicants to employers who are seeking to fill application-based positions (e.g., hourly-wage or restaurant or retail or similar positions). An applicant portal is provided to collect information from the applicants, to store the applicant information in a database, and to allow the applicants to perform other tasks. An employer portal is provided to collect employer information, to store the employer information in an employer database, to allow employers to search the applicants, to allow the employer to view uploaded videos provided by the applicants, and to allow employers to run background checks on the applicants. An applicant information database is stored in connection with the website, such that potential employees may be optimally matched and linked/connected to the most appropriate employer.

Abstract: A system and method for professional development for teachers which includes a structured framework for creating and providing online courses, qualification testing, instructional material, and mentoring teacher access, all subject specific to help teachers gain competency in their individualized teaching assignments and by extension help in the recruitment, development and retention of teachers leading to improved student achievement.