Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging material/matrix and methods of making such packaging material/matrix for slow or extended release of at least one active volatile compound(s). Provided are methods and compositions for a polymer matrix incorporating at least one active volatile compound (for example 1-methylcyclopropene or 1-MCP) and the polymer matrix is synthesized by polycondensation. This polymer matrix can slowly release the active volatile compound after contacting with a solvent (for example moisture). Also provided is the use of such polymer matrix to prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: A carrier with a stair climbing aid includes a carrier including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a front surface and a rear surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, at least one guide bar attached to the rear surface, the guide bar having a first end disposed proximate a corner between the bottom surface and the rear surface and a second end at least as high as stair risers of stairs expected to be climbed, at least one elongated member movably attached to the guide bar, and an arrangement for urging a top end of the elongated, member toward the second end of the guide bar.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can be used to increase the strength and/or probability of forming a binding complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, linking molecules are disclosed which can be used to increase the number of intra-complex binding interactions. Covalent bonds can be introduced to further increase the strength of these binding interactions. Inter-complex cross-linking can be utilized in connection with these methods to further strengthen and stabilize the disclosed binding complexes.

Abstract: A digital signature collection and authentication system includes an ink pen having an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic energy to a plurality of ultrasonic receivers. A computer triangulates the location of the pen versus time to generate the signature shape, and to generate velocity and acceleration data. The pen also includes a pressure sensitive tip to record pressure applied to the pen tip. The pen also includes a higher frequency burst transmitter useful to generate a time reference, and to transmit the pressure information. The computer packetizes the shape, velocity, acceleration, and pressure data with a time stamp and an IP address or phone number, encrypts the packet and sends it to a host computer for authentication. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting for the presence of a polynucleotide in vivo. These methods are particularly useful for performing identification and/or analysis of samples or specimens in which it is impossible, impractical, or undesirable to move or remove them from their current environment. Methods of practicing the present invention for the purpose of identifying and/or analyzing transgenic plant tissue or cells, in addition to animal tissue or cells and bacterial cells are also provided.

Abstract: Transgenic plants are provided comprising a plurality of transgenes comprised in a single locus. In certain aspects, 7 or more transgenes may be expressed from a first locus. Methods are provided for transformation of plant cells with a plurality of transgenes. Also provided are methods for expressing and enhancing the expression of one or more transgenes in a plant.

Abstract: Transgenic plants are provided comprising a plurality of transgenes comprised in a single locus. In certain aspects, 7 or more transgenes may be expressed from a first locus. Methods are provided for transformation of plant cells with a plurality of transgenes. Also provided are methods for expressing and enhancing the expression of one or more transgenes in a plant.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tree apparatus with a bypass mode and a method of using the reconfigurable tree apparatus are disclosed. The reconfigurable tree apparatus uses a short-circuit register to selectively designate participating agents for such operations as barriers, multicast, and reductions. The reconfigurable tree apparatus enables an agent to initiate a barrier, multicast, or reduction operation, leaving software to determine the participating agents for each operation. Although the reconfigurable tree apparatus is implemented using a small number of wires, multiple in-flight barrier, multicast, and reduction operations can take place. The method and apparatus have low complexity, easy reconfigurability, and provide the energy savings necessary for future exa-scale machines.

Abstract: Described is a method for using a trialkyl phosphate as a smoke suppressant in a polyurethane foam. The trialkyl phosphate having at least one alkyl group with two carbon atoms is included in the polyurethane foam, which has an absence of halogenated flame retardants.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a converter, a saw-tooth signal generator, and a controller. The converter includes a switch which is controlled by a driving signal. The converter provides a sense signal indicating the current through said LED light source. The saw-tooth signal generator generates a saw-tooth signal based on the driving signal. The controller generates the driving signal based on signals including the saw-tooth signal and the first sense signal to adjust the current through the LED light source to a target level and to correct a power factor of the driving circuit by controlling an average current of the input current to be substantially in phase with said input voltage.

Abstract: A digital signature collection and authentication system includes an ink pen having an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic energy to a plurality of ultrasonic receivers. A computer triangulates the location of the pen versus time to generate the signature shape, and to generate velocity and acceleration data. The pen also includes a pressure sensitive tip to record pressure applied to the pen tip. The pen also includes a higher frequency burst transmitter useful to generate a time reference, and to transmit the pressure information. The computer packetizes the shape, velocity, acceleration, and pressure data with a time stamp and an IP address or phone number, encrypts the packet and sends it to a host computer for authentication. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A digital signature collection and authentication system includes an ink pen having an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic energy to a plurality of ultrasonic receivers. A computer triangulates the location of the pen versus time to generate the signature shape, and to generate velocity and acceleration data. The pen also includes a pressure sensitive tip to record pressure applied to the pen tip. The pen also includes a higher frequency burst transmitter useful to generate a time reference, and to transmit the pressure information. The computer packetizes the shape, velocity, acceleration, and pressure data with a time stamp and an IP address or phone number, encrypts the packet and sends it to a host computer for authentication.

Abstract: A digital signature collection and authentication system includes an ink pen having an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic energy to a plurality of ultrasonic receivers. A computer triangulates the location of the pen versus time to generate the signature shape, and to generate velocity and acceleration data. The pen also includes a pressure sensitive tip to record pressure applied to the pen tip. The pen also includes a higher frequency burst transmitter useful to generate a time reference, and to transmit the pressure information. The computer packetizes the shape, velocity, acceleration, and pressure data with a time stamp and an IP address or phone number, encrypts the packet and sends it to a host computer for authentication.

Abstract: An AC-to-DC converter for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage includes a first converter, a second converter, a sense circuit, a controller, and an enabling circuit. The first converter converts an AC voltage to a first DC voltage. The second converter converts the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. The sense circuit coupled to the first and second converters provides a first sense signal indicative of the first DC voltage and a second sense signal indicative of the AC voltage. The controller coupled to the first and second converters controls the first and second DC voltages. The enabling circuit coupled to the sense circuit generates a control signal to the controller to disable both the first converter and the second converter by comparing the first sense signal to a first threshold voltage and comparing the second sense signal to a second threshold voltage.

Abstract: A battery charging system for charging a battery with a plurality of battery cells. The battery charging system includes a battery charger and a battery management unit. The battery management unit includes a plurality of balancing circuits for controlling charging of each battery cell. The battery charging system can charge the battery in different stages depending on the voltage of each battery cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical signaling. In one embodiment, a laser driver converts a digital voltage sequence to a current signal having a bias mode adjustable by a bias control and a modulation mode adjustable by a modulation control. A laser generates an optical signal responsive to the current signal of the laser driver. In one embodiment, a photo-detector receives an optical signal and generates a single ended current signal. A transimpedance amplifier circuit converts the single ended current signal to a differential voltage signal. A clock recovery circuit generates an aligned clock signal and a sampler circuit uses the aligned clock signal to retrieve a digital voltage sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting for the presence of a polynucleotide in vivo. These methods are particularly useful for performing identification and/or analysis of samples or specimens in which it is impossible, impractical, or undesirable to move or remove them from their current environment. Methods of practicing the present invention for the purpose of identifying and/or analyzing transgenic plant tissue or cells, in addition to animal tissue or cells and bacterial cells are also provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, provided is an integrated circuit with a first die coupled to a second die. The second die has through-silicon vias disposed through it to provide power references to the first die. The through-silicon vias are laterally re-positionable without inhibiting circuit sections in the second die.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a converter, a saw-tooth signal generator, and a controller. The converter includes a switch which is controlled by a driving signal. The converter provides a sense signal indicating the current through said LED light source. The saw-tooth signal generator generates a saw-tooth signal based on the driving signal. The controller generates the driving signal based on signals including the saw-tooth signal and the first sense signal to adjust the current through the LED light source to a target level and to correct a power factor of the driving circuit by controlling an average current of the input current to be substantially in phase with said input voltage.

Abstract: A method for managing a battery with multiple battery cells is disclosed. The method includes monitoring parameters of the battery cells by an information acquisition unit. Parameters of the battery cells include individual cell voltages. The method further includes selecting, by a controller one of multiple charging modes in which the battery cells are charged according to the cell voltages. The charging modes include a constant current charging mode, a constant voltage charging mode, and a pulse charging mode.