Abstract: Provided are fibrous, non-woven structures having a drapeability of greater than about 4 gsm/g and a density less than about 0.08g/cc, personal care articles comprising such structures, and methods of making such structures.

Abstract: The present invention is a putting tool to assist a golfer. The putting tool comprises a box like structural housing having a cavity therein. The housing is further defined by a top wall, bottom wall, back wall, first side wall, and an opposing second side wall. The front of the housing defines an opened an entry way for inserting foam into the cavity of the housing. An elastic band covers the front opening of the housing. At a predetermined location on the elastic band, a target is incorporated onto the band. Thus, when the golf ball hits the elastic band, the ball bounces off the band and automatically returns back to the putter.

Abstract: A connector for joining a supported member to a supporting member is formed with a series of angularly-joined flanges. The flanges are substantially planar and are substantially vertically oriented, when joining the supported member to the supporting member. The connector allows the end of a supported truss to be connected to a vertical member in the open web of a supporting truss.

Abstract: Provided are fibrous, non-woven structures having a drapeability of greater than about 4 gsm/g and a density less than about 0.08 g/cc, personal care articles comprising such structures, and methods of making such structures including methods comprising: stabilizing a thin layer of non-woven fibers into a stabilized web; supporting the stabilized web on an elastomeric support member; moving the support member and stabilized web thereon in a machine direction; and contacting the supported stabilized web with a stream of liquid.

Abstract: Provided are fibrous, non-woven structures having a drapeability of greater than about 4 gsm/g and a density less than about 0.08 g/cc, personal care articles comprising such structures, methods of making such structures including methods comprising: stabilizing a thin layer of non-woven fibers into a stabilized web; moving the stabilized web in a machine direction; and contacting the stabilized web with a stream of liquid that is directed at least partially along or against said machine direction.

Abstract: A fast roaming (handoff) service is provided for a WLAN infrastructure. A given mobile station (STA) obtains a pairwise master key (PMK) when it associates with an access point (AP) in the infrastructure. A neighbor graph identifies prospective APs to which the STA may then roam. At initialization, preferably the neighbor graph is fully-connected (i.e., each AP is assumed to be connected to every other AP). The PMK (obtained by the STA initially) is shared proactively with the neighbor APs as indicated in the neighbor graph. Thus, when the STA roams to a neighbor AP, because the PMK is already available, there is no requirement that the STA initiate a real-time request to an authentication server to re-associate to the new AP.

Abstract: An automatic channel selection (ACS) process enables an access point to determine a best channel available, i.e., the channel with a least amount of interference, for it operation. When ACS is enabled, the access point scans frequencies for all neighboring access points and their signal strengths. Based on this data, the access point then determines which frequency is least likely to be interfered with by these other access points. The access point switches itself to this frequency and begins operation. During normal operation, the access point may periodically rescan the air space and reevaluate its current operating channel. Preferably, every neighboring access point has its own channel, and the co-channel interference levels should be low enough so that there is a maximum coverage and high throughput for the network. If these characteristics cannot be achieved, the access point may then adjust its power automatically to reduce the interference level in the network.

Abstract: An automatic channel selection (ACS) process enables an access point to determine a best channel available, i.e., the channel with a least amount of interference, for it operation. When ACS is enabled, the access point scans frequencies for all neighboring access points and their signal strengths. Based on this data, the access point then determines which frequency is least likely to be interfered with by these other access points. The access point switches itself to this frequency and begins operation. During normal operation, the access point may periodically rescan the air space and reevaluate its current operating channel. Preferably, every neighboring access point has its own channel, and the co-channel interference levels should be low enough so that there is a maximum coverage and high throughput for the network. If these characteristics cannot be achieved, the access point may then adjust its power automatically to reduce the interference level in the network.

Abstract: An automatic channel selection (ACS) process enables an access point to determine a best channel available, i.e., the channel with a least amount of interference, for it operation. When ACS is enabled, the access point scans frequencies for all neighboring access points and their signal strengths. Based on this data, the access point then determines which frequency is least likely to be interfered with by these other access points. The access point switches itself to this frequency and begins operation. During normal operation, the access point may periodically rescan the air space and reevaluate its current operating channel. Preferably, every neighboring access point has its own channel, and the co-channel interference levels should be low enough so that there is a maximum coverage and high throughput for the network. If these characteristics cannot be achieved, the access point may then adjust its power automatically to reduce the interference level in the network.

Abstract: A non-iterative 3D processing method and system is disclosed for generic noise reduction. The 3D noise reducer is based on a simple conversion of the five types of noise to equivalent additive noise of varying statistics. The proposed technique comprises also an efficient temporal filtering technique which combines Minimization of Output Noise Variance (MNV) and Embedded Motion Estimation (EME). The proposed temporal filtering technique may be furthermore combined with classical motion estimation and motion compensation for more efficient noise reducer. The proposed technique comprises also a spatial noise reducer which combines Minimum Mean Squared Error (MMSE) with robust and effective shape adaptive windowing (SAW) is utilized for smoothing random noise in the whole image, particularly for edge regions. Another modification to MMSE is also introduced for handling banding effect for eventual excessive filtering in slowly varying regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An efficient and non-iterative 3D post processing method and system is proposed for mosquito noise reduction, block localization and correction in DCT block-based decoded images. The 3D post processing is based on a simple classification that segments a picture in multiple regions such as Edge, Near Edge, Flat, Near Flat and Texture regions. The proposed technique comprises also an efficient and shape adaptive local power estimation for equivalent additive noise and provides simple noise power weighting for each above cited region. Temporal filtering configurations using Minimum Noise Variance Criterion are proposed for reducing temporally varying coding artifacts. A Minimum Mean Square Error or Minimum Mean Square Error-like noise reduction with robust and effective shape adaptive windowing is utilized for smoothing mosquito and/or random noise for the whole image, particularly for Edge regions.

Abstract: An improved system of variable speed drives that enhances the energy efficiency of an elevator system by enabling power transfer between the variable speed drives of two or more elevators via a common DC bus. Any combination of regenerative and non-regenerative variable speed drives may be used with the present invention. Energy storage devices may be connected to the common DC bus further improve efficiency.

Abstract: A fat removal device includes a screen which includes passages through which fat can be extruded, to be cut or melted away from the surface of an internal organ. The device includes a blade to cut the fat or radiofrequency monopolar or bipolar electrodes to melt the fat, aspiration to remove the fat away from the screen and blade, irrigation to irrigate the screen and blade, and an electrocautery member to cauterize the capillary bed of the fat. Methods of using removing the fat layer from the surface of an internal body organ are also described.

Abstract: An RF treatment device according to the present invention includes one or two radio frequency electrode holders each having multiple needle electrodes arranged to create a transmural lesion through tissue, with or without the presence of fat on the tissue. When inserted through the tissue, the needle electrodes are in single straight or curved line with the needle electrodes being parallel to each other, adjacent electrodes having opposite polarity, and having tips and shafts designed to minimize tissue penetration force. Lubricious coatings may be provided for this purpose, along with or in lieu of motion imparting mechanisms which to impart vibration, oscillation, or rotation which facilitate penetration. Further, RF energy may applied during penetration for this purpose. The embodiments are described for use in creating a transmural lesion in heart tissue to treat atrial fibrillation by blocking the passage of abnormal electrical currents through the heart.

Abstract: A tampon formed of a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers substantially enclosed in a fluid-permeable cover has improved ability to prevent early leakage. This tampon has a stability of at least about 15 N, and is capable of radially expanding upon exposure to a humid environment. The radius increases by at least about 10% after 15 minutes to 90% relative humidity at 40° C.

Abstract: A novel process for forming a compressed tampon includes the steps of forming an open structure comprising at least about 5 wt-% of cellulosic materials; heating the open structure to a temperature of at least about 40° C.; compressing the heated open structure to form the compressed tampon; and releasing the compressed fibrous tampon from compression. Surprisingly, both the force required for compression and the degree of over-compression are significantly reduced when the fibrous web is heated prior to compression. Indeed, what we have found is that heating the fibrous web prior to compression into the tampon form provides a more consistent, dimensionally-controlled product. It also requires lower compression forces to achieve a dimensionally stable product with reduced fiber damage.

Abstract: A novel absorbent structure for use in disposable absorbent articles includes a nonwoven fibrous web comprising at least about 5 wt-% of cellulosic materials, having a local density of greater than about 0.2 g/cm3, and a density relaxation of less than about 20%.

Abstract: A fat removal device includes a screen which includes passages through which fat can be extruded, to be cut or melted away from the surface of an internal organ. The device includes a blade to cut the fat or radiofrequency monopolar or bipolar electrodes to melt the fat, aspiration to remove the fat away from the screen and blade, irrigation to irrigate the screen and blade, and an electrocautery member to cauterize the capillary bed of the fat. Methods of using removing the fat layer from the surface of an internal body organ are also described.

Abstract: An absorbent structure having a mixture of fibers and superabsorbent particles, wherein the superabsorbent particles are present in the structure in an amount ranging from 2% to 60% on a weight basis, the superabsorbent particles having a residual monomer content less than 300 ppm, an absorbent capacity under low load of at least about 42 g/g and a 0.30 psi percent retention of at least about 80.5%.