Abstract: The present invention describes the design, operation and performance of a new Composition Spread Alloy Film (CSAF) deposition having a rotatable shadow mask and capable of depositing CSAFs of at least two elemental components. The individual components can be deposited simultaneously from physical vapor deposition sources, such as, electron beams, effusion cells, and sputter sources, thus allowing preparation of CSAFs that can contain most metallic elements of the periodic table and other materials amenable to sputtering and physical vapor deposition techniques. Multicomponent materials with lateral composition gradients are deposited in such a way that both the direction and the amplitude of the composition gradient can be controlled independently for all components.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide dial controls on a mobile computing device. In one aspect, a method includes displaying a first function graphic in a dial control, the first function graphic being displayed at a first base position on a touchscreen display of a mobile device, detecting a user selection in a first region of the touchscreen display, the first region being associated with the first function graphic, detecting user motion corresponding to the user selection, animating the dial control to rotate for arcing movement of the first function graphic from the first base position on the touchscreen display in response to detecting user motion, determining a measure of user motion, comparing the measure of user motion to a threshold measure, and performing one or more functions on the mobile device in response to the measure of user motion exceeding the threshold measure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing tab bar controls on a mobile computing device are described. In one aspect, a method includes displaying a first tab graphic in a first tab bar control, the first tab bar control being displayed at a first default position on a first edge of a touchscreen display, detecting a user selection in a first region of the touchscreen display, the first region associated with the first tab graphic, detecting user motion, animating the first tab bar control to extend from the first edge of the touch-screen display in response to detecting user motion, determining a measure of user motion, comparing the measure of user motion to a threshold measure, and performing one or more functions on the mobile device in response to the measure of user motion exceeding the threshold measure.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In an embodiment, a method automatically interprets touch gestures on a mobile device. In the method, a user input is received that defines a first touch gesture to initiate a first action on an application of the mobile device. A second touch gesture is received on a touch screen of the mobile device. The second touch gesture is similar, but not identical, to the first touch gesture, and has a different orientation, size or position from the first touch gesture. In response to receipt of the second touch gesture, a second action is determined on the application of the mobile device according to a difference between the first and second touch gestures in orientation, size or position on the screen of the mobile device. Finally, the second action is initiated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying a bit-mapped image of a line or polygon shape; mapping the image to a texture map that is slightly large in at least one dimension than the bit-mapped image; overlaying the bit-mapped image and the texture map; computing pixel shading for pixels between an outer edge of the bit-mapped image and the texture map by measuring a distance from particular ones of the pixels to an idealized line near an edge of the bit-mapped image; and displaying the bit-mapped image with pixels at its edge shaded according to the computed pixel shading.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described that includes providing a watch defining a body and a watch face on a surface of the body, the body having one or more sensors arranged to sense user inputs in an area adjacent to the body. The method further comprises sensing a motion of an object in the area adjacent to, but not touching, the body using the one or more sensors and changing a display of a pointing element on a graphical user interface on the watch in coordination with the sensed motion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In an embodiment, a user input is received that defines a first touch gesture to initiate a first action on an application of the mobile device. A second touch gesture is received on a touch screen of the mobile device. The second touch gesture is similar, but not identical, to the first touch gesture, and has a different orientation, size or position from the first touch gesture. In response to receipt of the second touch gesture, a second action is determined on the application of the mobile device according to a difference between the first and second touch gestures in orientation, size or position on the screen of the mobile device. Finally, the second action is initiated.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method executes an action on a mobile device. A lock screen view is displayed on the mobile device to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent access to the mobile device's data. While the mobile device is locked, a touch gesture having a pre-defined shape is detected on a touch screen of the mobile device independently of the initial position of the touch gesture on the touch screen. In response to detection of the touch gesture, a particular action is executed on the mobile device while the mobile device stays locked. The particular action determined according to the pre-defined shape. In this way, detection of the touch gesture causes the particular action to execute while keeping the mobile device locked.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method executes an action on a mobile device. A lock screen view is displayed on the mobile device to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent access to the mobile device's data. While the mobile device is locked, a touch gesture having a pre-defined shape is detected on a touch screen of the mobile device independently of the initial position of the touch gesture on the touch screen. In response to detection of the touch gesture, a particular action is executed on the mobile device while the mobile device stays locked. The particular action determined according to the pre-defined shape. In this way, detection of the touch gesture causes the particular action to execute while keeping the mobile device locked.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In an embodiment, a method automatically interprets touch gestures on a mobile device. In the method, a user input is received that defines a first touch gesture to initiate a first action on an application of the mobile device. A second touch gesture is received on a touch screen of the mobile device. The second touch gesture is similar, but not identical, to the first touch gesture, and has a different orientation, size or position from the first touch gesture. In response to receipt of the second touch gesture, a second action is determined on the application of the mobile device according to a difference between the first and second touch gestures in orientation, size or position on the screen of the mobile device. Finally, the second action is initiated.

Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method executes an action on a mobile device. A lock screen view is displayed on the mobile device to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent access to the mobile device's data. While the mobile device is locked, a touch gesture having a pre-defined shape is detected on a touch screen of the mobile device independently of the initial position of the touch gesture on the touch screen. In response to detection of the touch gesture, a particular action is executed on the mobile device while the mobile device stays locked. The particular action determined according to the pre-defined shape. In this way, detection of the touch gesture causes the particular action to execute while keeping the mobile device locked.

Abstract: A photoionization detector includes a housing, electrical contacts within the housing and an easily removable and replaceable photoionization chamber within the housing. The photoionization chamber includes a cathodic electrode and an anodic electrode which may be coated with a thin layer of material. The photoionization chamber and the associated cathodic electrode and anodic electrode are removable from within the housing as a unit. The photoionization chamber makes electrical connection with the contacts when seated within the housing regardless of the orientation of the photoionization chamber about an axis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented data management method, encryption system and interactive computer program for managing real estate information in a hierarchical database are disclosed. Also, a method, system and program for cross referencing a hierarchical database with a relational database are disclosed. A computer program accesses an XML definitional document on a handheld computer for inputting data related to real estate listings in a hierarchically controlled format for a database. Real estate agents provide input of data to the database using the handheld, portable computer. A menu or picklist driven display provides logical selection of data input and address fields, and a validation step for checking errors or omissions in the data entry procedure for a given record. A single, central database table is managed for input and distribution of real estate listing information to subscribers to the database management system.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: A computer-implemented data management method, encryption system and interactive computer program for managing real estate information in a hierarchical database are disclosed. Also, a method, system and program for cross referencing a hierarchical database with a relational database are disclosed. A computer program accesses an XML definitional document on a handheld computer for inputting data related to real estate listings in a hierarchically controlled format for a database. Real estate agents provide input of data to the database using the handheld, portable computer. A menu or picklist driven display provides logical selection of data input and address fields, and a validation step for checking errors or omissions in the data entry procedure for a given record. A single, central database table is managed for input and distribution of real estate listing information to subscribers to the database management system.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.