Abstract: A method and system for selectively fully displaying additional content in a browser window, without requiring scrolling in more than one direction, based on an available display area. For example, additional advertising content is thus selectively displayed in an otherwise unused area of the browsing window to the right of a primary content of a Web page. The size of the available display area is automatically detected, and a determination is automatically made as to whether the additional content and primary content can both be fully displayed in the available display area under the scrolling constraint. If so, both the additional content and the primary content are displayed. Otherwise, only the primary content is displayed. The additional content is downloaded only when it can thus be included within the display area.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sensing biometric information in a finger with piezo ceramic elements. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of discrete piezo ceramic elements and filler. The array of discrete piezo ceramic elements is responsive to acoustic characteristics of parts of the finger. The filler is distributed between the discrete piezo ceramic elements and provides acoustic attenuation and electric isolation between the discrete piezo ceramic elements. A protective layer can receive a ridge pattern of the finger positioned proximate to the array. Air in valleys between ridges of the ridge pattern of the finger acts as an acoustic barrier. A backing layer (air or foam) can also be provided.

Abstract: Natural interaction command decoder implemented on small embedded microprocessors. Strings of text from multiple input sources are merged to create commands. Words that are meaningful within the current system context are linked to all dependent output events while words that have no meaning within the current system context are automatically discarded.

Abstract: A controller is provided for controlling the operation of a gas-fired water heating appliance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a controller is provided that comprises a switching means for connecting an electrical power source to an igniter for igniting gas, a voltage sensing means for sensing the voltage value of the electrical power source, and a processor that is capable of determining whether the power source is of a first rated voltage level or a second rated voltage level. The processor is capable of responsively selecting an appropriate switching sequence from a look-up table having a plurality of switching sequences corresponding to a plurality of voltage values for either the first rated voltage or the second rated voltage, where the processor controls the switching means based on the selected switching sequence to effect switching of power to supply an average predetermined voltage to the igniter that will heat the igniter to a desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for transdermally delivering a nicotine-based agent to a tobacco or nicotine user comprising a microprojection member having a plurality of microprojections that are adapted to pierce the stratum corneum of the tobacco user, the microprojection member having a biocompatible coating disposed thereon that includes a nicotine-based agent.

Abstract: A sample is tested for the presence of bacteria, such as in an automatic blood culturing apparatus. If bacteria are determined to be present, a bacteriophage-based bacteria identification process is performed to identify the bacteria present. A plurality of bacteria detection processes, such as a blood culture test and Gram stain test may be carried out prior to the bacteria identification process. A bacteriophage-based antibiotic resistance test or antibiotic susceptibility test is also conducted on the sample.

Abstract: An improved wrapping apparatus for an ice-cream sandwich-making machine comprises an oscillating arm and cam which drives a horizontal slider plate connected to a frame, and a pusher unit connected to an air cylinder; an improved paper feeder system, including separate paper and knife drives, air compression springs, and a paper low sensor; and a hinged exit tray.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an Internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an Internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: A device for attaching a thermal switch to a tube. The device includes a base having first and second sides and a thermal switch cavity located between opposing ends of the base on the first side. The cavity is configured to receive a thermal switch. Two straps attach the device to a tube at the opposing ends. The base, ends, and cavity are formed of aluminum coated with a low electrical resistance, chemical conversion coating. The second side is formed to receive a tube, such as a fuel line, of a predefined radius. Each of the ends includes at least one groove for receiving one of the straps. The straps are a low outgassing material.

Abstract: A biological sample such as a tissue section is stained with one or more quantum dots and possibly other fluorophores (total number of fluorophores N). A camera coupled to a microscope generates an image of the specimen at a plurality of different wavelengths within the emission spectral band of the N fluorophores. An analysis module calculates coefficients C1 . . . CN at each pixel from the set of images and reference spectral data for the N fluorophores. The coefficients C1 . . . CN are related to the concentration of each of the individual fluorophores at each pixel location. Morphological processing instructions find biological structures, e.g., cells, cellular components, genes, etc., in the images of the specimen. Quantitative analysis is performed on the identified biological structures. A display module displays the quantitative analysis results to the user, along with images of the specimen. The images can include images constructed from one or more of the coefficients C1 . . . CN.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the inhibition of biofilm formation or reduction of existing or developing biofilms in a patient. These methods also inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that form biofilms in the airways. The methods include administering to a subject that has or is at risk of developing biofilms a compound or formulation that inhibits the formation or polymerization of actin microfilaments or depolymerizes actin microfilaments at or proximal to the site of biofilm formation. Such a compound can be administered in combination with a compound or formulation that inhibits the accumulation or activity of cells that are likely to undergo necrosis at or proximal to the site of biofilm formation (i.e., neutrophils). The methods and compositions can further include the use of anti-DNA and/or anti-mucin compounds, as well as other therapeutic compounds and compositions.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film sensor array is used to scan and capture biometric data, for example, a fingerprint image. In one embodiment, a multi-layer structure includes a PVDF layer in between two conductor grids arranged orthogonally to one another. Urethane can be added to one side where a finger is placed. A foam substrate can be used as a support. In one feature, the PVDF, and grids can be peeled off like a label for easy replacement. Multiplexers are switched to scan the sensor. A single pixel or a group of pixels can be detected and output to an image memory. The presence of a fingerprint ridge is detected by virtue of a ring-down oscillation that arises from reflection when an electric field is applied to the piezoelectric thin film sensor array at a pixel in contact with the fingerprint ridge. For example, such a ring-down value associated with a fingerprint ridge can be detected at about 150 ns. (or 5 cycles at 30 MHZ). Other reflections indicative of additional biometrics (e.g.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: A pump monitoring and flow control system that provides direct indication and control of discharge flow on gas driven positive displacement or diaphragm injection-type pumps. The device uses a “tell-tale” check valve that drives a proximity switch each time the tell-tale valve, installed as the output check valve on a standard injection pump, opens with discharge flow. The proximity switch in turn signals the monitoring system which computes the volume of chemical injected and controls the injection pump gas motor to provide the required volume of injected fluid. Additionally the system can alarm if injection flow is interrupted.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a user with an electronic device. An accessor device provides a user interface matched to the needs, abilities and intentions of the user and translates the user input commands and data into commands for the electronic device. An intelligent access port translates commands from the accessor into an input format required by the electronic device. A communication link connects the accessor device with the intelligent access port to send the translated user input commands and data from the accessor to the intelligent access port. The accessor device contains an intelligent access module and an interactive display. The intelligent access module contains a driver device for routing message packets, an interaction processor for processing incoming message packets and generating a message packet for the electronic device, and a communications channel. Communications between system components take place over a universal serial bus or over a wireless fidelity or ZigBee device.

Abstract: A normally open thermal switch (200) having a bimetallic disk (18) is configured for operational testing in its installed position when exposed to a changing temperature by a test box (400) having a power source (400a). The in-place testing advantageously confirms triggering action of the switch by an event indicator (400c) at the operational temperatures designed into the switch (200). The temperature of the triggering action is presented on a temperature display (400b) and recorded by a data recorder (400d) of the test box (400). The switch (200) incorporates a heating element (24c) to heat changing the bimetallic disk (18) to snap activate at the operative temperatures. The thermal switch (200) is coupled with the test box (400) to confirm its operation without having to remove the switch from its installed location.

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metallic film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic/synthetic deposit is fused to the metallic film such that the metallic/synthetic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.