Abstract: A voice-controlled electronic device that includes a device housing having a longitudinal axis bisecting opposing top and bottom surfaces and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The device can further include one or more microphones disposed within the device housing and distributed radially around the longitudinal axis; a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the one or more microphones and first transducer and second transducers configured to generate sound waves within different frequency ranges.

Abstract: A retainer for a mobile device is disclosed. The retainer may have a base defined by an open-sided resilient wall, which is capable of flexible and removable engagement to an internal surface of a container insert. An arm may extend vertically upward from the base and may support a holder. The holder may be positioned over the base. The holder may have a bottom wall, a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall opposite of the front wall, and opposite side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the rear wall has a height lesser than a height of the front wall. The bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, and the opposite sidewalls defining a space configured to receive and retain the mobile device.

Abstract: A retainer for a mobile device is disclosed. The retainer may have a base defined by an open-sided resilient wall, which is capable of flexible and removable engagement to an internal surface of a container insert. An arm may extend vertically upward from the base and may support a holder. The holder may be positioned over the base. The holder may have a bottom wall, a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall opposite of the front wall, and opposite side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the rear wall has a height lesser than a height of the front wall. The bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, and the opposite sidewalls defining a space configured to receive and retain the mobile device.

Abstract: Container having a base portion defining a compartment and a lid portion moveable between an open position for access to the compartment and a closed position to cover the compartment. The base portion includes a bottom panel, a back panel extending from the bottom panel to a back panel upper edge, and back side tabs extending from the back panel and defining opposing sides of the base portion. The base portion further includes a front base panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel to a front angle panel, the front angle panel extending upwardly and inwardly from the front base panel to a free end. The lid portion is hingedly-coupled to the upper edge of the back panel. The container further includes a cutter disposed on the front angle panel. A blank and method for forming the container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: Container having a base portion defining a compartment and a lid portion moveable between an open position for access to the compartment and a closed position to cover the compartment. The base portion includes a bottom panel, a back panel extending from the bottom panel to a back panel upper edge, and back side tabs extending from the back panel and defining opposing sides of the base portion. The base portion further includes a front base panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel to a front angle panel, the front angle panel extending upwardly and inwardly from the front base panel to a free end. The lid portion is hingedly-coupled to the upper edge of the back panel. The container further includes a cutter disposed on the front angle panel. A blank and method for forming the container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: In a system to convert semantic layer metadata to support a database conversion, semantic layer information is read from a semantic layer file defined for an input database. The read semantic layer information is converted to converted semantic layer information using a metadata integration bridge. The converted semantic layer information is loaded as a model. Prologue code is written to a replication code file based on the loaded model. Data source information is identified from the loaded model. Data source information code is written to the replication code file based on the identified data source information. Epilog code is written to the replication code file. Replication code stored in the replication code file is executed to create an information map. Data stored in the input database is accessed using the created information map.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for packaging an electronic device.

Abstract: A container (100) includes a first container portion (101) and a second container portion (102). One or both can include an end member (105) and a cylindrical sidewall (103) extending from the end member. The cylindrical sidewall can include a central layer (301), an inner wrap (302), and an outer wrap (303). The central layer and the outer wrap can define one or more axially aligned apertures (304,305). A hang tab (106) defining a loop (107) and one or more socles (307,308) can be inserted through the apertures with the loop disposed exterior of the cylindrical sidewall and the one or more socles disposed between the central layer and the inner wrap.

Abstract: In a system to convert semantic layer metadata to support a database conversion, semantic layer information is read from a semantic layer file defined for an input database. The read semantic layer information is converted to converted semantic layer information using a metadata integration bridge. The converted semantic layer information is loaded as a model. Prologue code is written to a replication code file based on the loaded model. Data source information is identified from the loaded model. Data source information code is written to the replication code file based on the identified data source information. Epilogue code is written to the replication code file. Replication code stored in the replication code file is executed to create an information map. Data stored in the input database is accessed using the created information map.

Abstract: A container (100) includes a first container portion (101) and a second container portion (102). One or both can include an end member (105) and a cylindrical sidewall (103) extending from the end member. The cylindrical sidewall can include a central layer (301), an inner wrap (302), and an outer wrap (303). The central layer and the outer wrap can define one or more axially aligned apertures (304,305). A hang tab (106) defining a loop (107) and one or more socles (307,308) can be inserted through the apertures with the loop disposed exterior of the cylindrical sidewall and the one or more socles disposed between the central layer and the inner wrap.

Abstract: Provided in various example embodiments is a support structure for a microphone, a musical instrument, or other music component, the support structure comprising therein the components of a direct box or “DI” box, such as electrical components configured to convert a high-impedance, line level, unbalanced output signal from a musical instrument to a low-impedance microphone-level balanced input signal. The invention eliminates the need for a separate direct box, thereby eliminating unsightly clutter and dangerous trip hazards from the stage floor.

Abstract: Isopipes (13) for making a glass or a glass-ceramic using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from an alumina material which has a higher static fatigue than existing alumina materials intended for use as isopipes. In particular, the alumina materials have times-to-failure (static fatigues) of greater than one hour at 1200° C. at an applied stress of 10,000 psi. These high levels of static fatigue allow alumina isopipes to replace zircon isopipes in the manufacture of high performance glass sheets by the fusion process, including glass sheets which are incompatible with zircon isopipes but compatible with alumina isopipes, e.g., chip and scratch resistant glass sheets which have high alkali contents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for supporting a flexible duct. The apparatus comprises a concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and one or more straps. The concave duct support structure is placed in contact with outer surface of the flexible duct. The convoluted anterior end supports curved surfaces of the flexible duct. The concave duct support structure comprises multiple slits. The straps pass through the slits of the concave duct support structure. Distal ends of the straps may be affixed to a structural member for suspending the flexible duct supported on the concave duct support structure. The concave duct support structure prevents the flexible duct from sagging and crimping, thereby allowing free flow of air, liquids, etc. through the flexible duct.

Abstract: Isopipes (13) for making a glass or a glass-ceramic using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from an alumina material which has a higher static fatigue than existing alumina materials intended for use as isopipes. In particular, the alumina materials have times-to-failure (static fatigues) of greater than one hour at 1200° C. at an applied stress of 10,000 psi. These high levels of static fatigue allow alumina isopipes to replace zircon isopipes in the manufacture of high performance glass sheets by the fusion process, including glass sheets which are incompatible with zircon isopipes but compatible with alumina isopipes, e.g., chip and scratch resistant glass sheets which have high alkali contents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for supporting a flexible duct. The apparatus comprises a concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and one or more straps. The concave duct support structure is placed in contact with outer surface of the flexible duct. The convoluted anterior end supports curved surfaces of the flexible duct. The concave duct support structure comprises multiple slits. The straps pass through the slits of the concave duct support structure. Distal ends of the straps may be affixed to a structural member for suspending the flexible duct supported on the concave duct support structure. The concave duct support structure prevents the flexible duct from sagging and crimping, thereby allowing free flow of air, liquids, etc. through the flexible duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a counter-propagating signal method for locating events is disclosed. The apparatus and method uses a Mach Zehnder interferometer through which counter-propagating signals can be launched. If the sensing zone of the Mach Zehnder interferometer is disturbed, modified counter-propagating signals are produced, and the time difference between receipt of those signals is used to determine the location of the event. Polarisation controllers receive feedback signals so that the polarisation states of the counter-propagating signals can be controlled to match the amplitude and/or phase of the signals. Detectors are provided for detecting the modified signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a counter-propagating signal method for locating events is disclosed. The apparatus and method uses a Mach Zehnder interferometer through which counter-propagating signals can be launched. If the sensing zone of the Mach Zehnder interferometer is disturbed, modified counter-propagating signals are produced, and the time difference between receipt of those signals is used to determine the location of the event. Polarisation controllers receive feedback signals so that the polarisation states of the counter-propagating signals can be controlled to match the amplitude and/or phase of the signals. Detectors are provided for detecting the modified signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.