Abstract: A circuit for powering high-efficiency lighting devices from a thyristor-controlled dimmer operates a switching power circuit during active portions of half-cycles of the AC line voltage source that supplies the dimmer. A control circuit determines the durations of the active portions such that sufficient energy is transferred to operate the lighting devices until a next half-cycle of the AC line voltage, at which time the active portion of the half-cycle is terminated. A high impedance level is presented to the output of the dimmer until the next half-cycle commences.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for verifying employment of a first user with a computer system programmed to perform the method includes receiving a first name for a user-represented employer via a user-application, receiving a first plurality of social network data associated with the first user from a first social network server, wherein the first plurality of social network data includes a second name associated with an user-represented employer via a user-profile on the first social network, determining a relationship between the employer associated with the first name and the employer associated with the second name, in response to the first name and to the second name, determining an employment verification indicator in response to the relationship between the employer associated with the first name to the employer associated to the second name and outputting with the computer system, the employment verification indicator.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides for the accessing and playing of media files having differing associated rights such as non-DRM media files, purchased and downloaded media files, subscription download files such as tethered downloads, and subscription streamed DRM files. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and user interface for sharing a media collection among computing devices in communication via a network. In one embodiment, the disclosed method allows access and playback, from each computing device on a network, of all media files in a media collection, regardless of their associated rights.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for verifying employment of a first user with a computer system programmed to perform the method includes receiving a first name for a user-represented employer via a user-application, receiving a first plurality of social network data associated with the first user from a first social network server, wherein the first plurality of social network data includes a second name associated with an user-represented employer via a user-profile on the first social network, determining a relationship between the employer associated with the first name and the employer associated with the second name, in response to the first name and to the second name, determining an employment verification indicator in response to the relationship between the employer associated with the first name to the employer associated to the second name and outputting with the computer system, the employment verification indicator.

Abstract: Tunneling systems and methods or making and using such systems for implanting biological devices, especially catheters, are described. The tunneling system of the invention contains flexible connection tunnelers that contain multiple connection features that are of dissimilar lengths. When used for a multiple lumen catheter, the connection features are easier to separate and are easier to connect with the lumens of the catheter that are in different positions relative to the tunneler. Thus, the tunneling system contains a non-destructive connection between the catheter tip and the tunneler, as well as allowing for greater control during placement of the catheter.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for verifying employment of a first user with a computer system programmed to perform the method includes receiving a first name for a user-represented employer via a user-application, receiving a first plurality of social network data associated with the first user from a first social network server, wherein the first plurality of social network data includes a second name associated with an user-represented employer via a user-profile on the first social network, determining a relationship between the employer associated with the first name and the employer associated with the second name, in response to the first name and to the second name, determining an employment verification indicator in response to the relationship between the employer associated with the first name to the employer associated to the second name and outputting with the computer system, the employment verification indicator.

Abstract: A transformer isolated LED lighting circuit supplies current from a secondary-side storage capacitor to one or more LED strings in conformity with one or more dimming values. The dimming values are communicated through the transformer by patterns or codes provided in pulses of a power converter circuit that charges the storage capacitor from the primary side of the transformer, or alternatively by a special modulated signal provided in addition to the switching pulses.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing the financial risk in a risk-taking scenario associated with a subject of risk-taking. The method includes receiving authorization to access at least one qualified account of a subject of risk-taking; receiving data from the qualified accounts of the subject of risk-taking; determining a stability score based on the received data, the stability score being an estimate of the financial risk in the risk-taking scenario; and performing an action through the qualified account based on the stability score.

Abstract: A cascaded power converter having an auxiliary power supply operated from the second switching power stage provides efficient operation by activating the auxiliary power supply early in the startup process. A low energy transfer operating mode is initiated in the second switching power stage to charge the auxiliary power supply output without generating significant disruption at the load. After the first switching power stage is started and the intermediate node voltage has increased to a level sufficient to operate the second switching power stage, the final switching power stage enters a normal operating mode. The low energy transfer operating mode has a substantially reduced switching rate and pulse width from that of the normal operating mode.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for operating high-efficiency lighting devices from a thyristor-controlled dimmer determines the dimming value, i.e., the dimmer duty factor by periodically probing the dimmer output. A minimum conductance is applied across the output of the dimmer during probing intervals that begin at the turn-on time of the dimmer and last until enough information has been gathered to correctly predict a next zero crossing of the AC line voltage that supplies the input of the dimmer. The dimming value is determined from the time interval between the predicted zero-crossing and a next turn-on time of the dimmer. The probing can be performed at intervals of an odd number of half-cycles of the AC line frequency so that a DC offset is not introduced within internal timing circuits of the dimmer. The AC line frequency can also be determined from a time interval between the predicted zero crossings.

Abstract: A circuit for powering high-efficiency lighting devices from a thyristor-controlled dimmer predicts a zero-crossing time of the AC power line supplying the dimmer and causes a glue impedance to be imposed at the output of the dimmer starting at the time of the zero-crossing, so that the timer in the dimmer will operate properly to generate the turn-on event at the correct time. At turn-on, a lower level of impedance is presented to absorb the energy associated with the turn-on event. A higher level of impedance may be presented after the energy is absorbed until all of the energy needed for the cycle is transferred. Then, a high impedance state is maintained until the next zero-crossing time. The impedance control may be provided by non-uniform operation of a power converter that supplies the lighting devices, or by a combination of non-uniform power converter operation and dissipative loading.

Abstract: A cascaded power converter having an auxiliary power supply operated from the second switching power stage provides efficient operation by activating the auxiliary power supply early in the startup process. A low energy transfer operating mode is initiated in the second switching power stage to charge the auxiliary power supply output without generating significant disruption at the load. After the first switching power stage is started and the intermediate node voltage has increased to a level sufficient to operate the second switching power stage, the final switching power stage enters a normal operating mode. The low energy transfer operating mode has a substantially reduced switching rate and pulse width from that of the normal operating mode.

Abstract: Catheters and their uses for vascular access to a patient, especially during dialysis procedures, are described. The catheter contains a continuous, multi-geometric flow path profile along the axis of the catheter. Thus, the shape and material forming the fluid pathway of the catheter can change anywhere along the axis of the catheter. With multi lumen catheters, this profile transforms from a substantially D-shaped cross section in the lumen of the catheter shaft to a substantially circular-shaped cross section in the extension leg. The materials used in the catheter can also transform from an opaque material used in the catheter shaft to a clear or transparent material that is used in the extension leg. The transition between these shapes and materials can be seamless, eliminating the need for a mechanical joint that is needed because the catheter shaft and catheter extension leg(s) are comprised of a single component. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

Abstract: A medical device suitable for subcutaneous implantation, generally including a housing having a reservoir, a septum positioned within and supported by the housing, at least one light emitting element placed in position defining relation to the septum, and a pressure actuated, light activating circuitry associated with the at least one light emitting element. The light element(s) may be positioned, for instance, in at least partially surrounding relation around the septum, embedded within or below a translucent housing that supports the septum, positioned within the reservoir and adapted to emit its light through a translucent septum, or positioned on the exterior of the supporting housing. The medical device can be adapted to receive high pressure fluid injections and if so adapted, will include a light emitting element that will provide a visual indication this capacity.

Abstract: Describes a multifocal optical article, e.g., an ophthalmic article such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a rigid optical substrate, e.g., a transparent polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, adapted to possess at least one light influencing property on at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate, e.g., a photochromic and/or polarizing layer, and (2) a multifocal layer of an optical quality material on said substrate having the light influencing property. Describes also the aforedescribed optical article having an abrasion-resistant coating on the multifocal layer, e.g., an abrasion-resistant coating comprising an organo silane. A method for preparing the multifocal optical article comprising curing optical quality material between a multifocal mold and a preform comprising an optical substrate possessing the light influencing property is also described.

Abstract: Describes an article, e.g., an optical article such as a lens, in which the article includes (a) a rigid substrate, e.g., a transparent ophthalmic substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, having at least one surface suitable for accommodating a photochromic coating, and (b) a transparent photochromic coating comprising dendritic polymeric acrylate, e.g., polyester acrylate, on at least a portion of said surface of the substrate, the coating comprising a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic material, e.g., an organic photochromic material.

Abstract: A pneumatic motion platform is disclosed, adapted to allow an open center to handle shear stress without the need for a central support. In an embodiment, the platform comprises a deck; a base; a plurality of inflatable actuators, each actuator attached to the deck at a predetermined location intermediate the base and the deck, the plurality of inflatable actuators adapted for use as an active motive force with respect to the deck in a plurality of planes; a plurality of compliant stabilizers disposed intermediate the deck and the base, at least one portion of each stabilizer disposed proximate a predetermined one of the plurality of inflatable actuators; a fluid controller in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable actuators; and a source of fluid in fluid communication with the fluid controller. A ride vehicle may comprise a cabin attached to a deck attached to the motion platform attached to a rotator such as a turntable.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing unlike conventional valves that are stationary. The movable housing allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. The protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for the catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.