Abstract: A respiratory mask can include one or a plurality of force sensors configured to detect a force imparted to a user's skin. Output from the one or more sensors can be represented in a way useful to the patient or healthcare provider for adjusting the mask to achieve a desired fitment. A representation of the detected forces can be displayed on a separate display device or on the mask.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems for operating a retail environment using unmanned vehicles are provided. The methods include observing a person interacting with one or more items with a camera carried by an unmanned vehicle, identifying the one or more items based on data received from the unmanned vehicle, and adding each identified item to a transaction for the person. The methods can further include charging the person for the transaction, presenting promotions, retrieving a desired item, answering questions, following a person, guiding a customer to a location, and showing images of inventory items.

Abstract: One illustrative device disclosed herein is formed on an SOI substrate. The transistor device includes a first channel region formed in a semiconductor bulk substrate of the SOI substrate and a first gate insulation layer formed above the first channel region. In one embodiment, the first gate insulation layer includes a part of the buried insulation layer of the SOI substrate and an oxidized part of the semiconductor layer of the SOI substrate.

Abstract: Dampers and a fuel delivery systems including such dampers are disclosed. The damper includes a first component and a dampening component. The first component is coupled to a first tubular element and includes a first extended hollow section. The dampening component is coupled to a second tubular element. The dampening component includes a first end portion including a plurality of slits. The first end portion is disposed within the first extended hollow section to frictionally couple the first end portion to the first extended hollow section.

Abstract: A seat back for a vehicle seat comprising a panel (4) and a frame structure (6, 8, 10), the frame structure being formed of two metal tubes (6, 8) having first ends joined together by a crossmember ((10) and second ends joined together by a first member to form a tapering framework which is wide at the bottom of the seat back and narrow at the top of the seat back, wherein there is no cross-bracing of the frame between the top and bottom of the seat back. The framework is mounted to the panel such that in use the second ends are positioned near the lower portion of the seat back and the first ends are positioned towards the upper portion of the seat back.

Abstract: The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic system for the transdermal administration of buprenorphine, comprising a buprenorphine-containing self-adhesive layer structure comprising A) a buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, and B) e a buprenorphine-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on said buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, the adhesive layer comprising a) at least one polymer-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, b) an analgesically effective amount of buprenorphine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and c) a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, levulinic acid and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient so that said analgesically effective amount of buprenorphine is solubilized therein to form a mixture, and the carboxylic acid buprenorphine mixture forms dispersed deposits in the said pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein said buprenorphine-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is the skin contact

Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to provide assistance to at least a first person during a transaction within an environment having a plurality of items. The method includes identifying the first person within the environment, and analyzing acquired image information to determine at least one item interaction of the transaction and thereby associate the identified first person with the transaction. The method further includes determining whether the first person is associated with a personal profile that includes information related to the environment, the information including at least one of personal preferences and personal historical data reflecting one or more previous transactions of the first person. When the first person is determined to be associated with a personal profile, the method further includes determining, based on the information in the personal profile, an amount of assistance to provide to the first person during the transaction.

Abstract: A conveyance system (10) including: a conveyor having a frame (22) connectable to a drive unit; and a shipping container (12) having a base (16), a top wall (14), two opposing side walls (18) and two opposing end walls (20), wherein the conveyor is fixed within the shipping container (12) in an assembled state.

Abstract: A system and method for a distributed security model that may be used to achieve one or more of the following: authenticate system components; securely transport messages between system components; establish a secure communications channel over a constrained link; authenticate message content; authorize actions; and distribute authorizations and configuration data amongst users' system components in a device-as-a-key system.

Abstract: A data processing system provides a branch forward instruction (BF) which has programmable parameters specifying a branch target address to be branched to and a branch point identifying a program instruction following the branch forward instruction which, when reached, is followed by a branch to the branch target address.

Abstract: A biological sample holder for holding a solid phase sample, including a handle, and a seal area suitable for being received in an opening of a sample receiving chamber of a cassette, mountable to a sample analysis instrument. The holder further includes a stem connected to the seal and a sample retainer connected to the stem for retaining solids in the retainer, the sample retainer including a perforated wall region for allowing fluids to pass through the wall but preventing the solid phase sample from passing through the wall.

Abstract: A multi-use garbage truck has an ability to not only to front load containers of garbage into a hopper in a refuse collection body, but also an ability to swap out the forks, if not arm connection assemblies, or even entire frame arms, to be replaced with one of a plurality of attachments which connect to at least one, if not both frame arms with attachments for various uses such as snow plow, leaf blower, street sweeper, bucket, grapple, etc. Furthermore, an ability to independently operate the left frame arm relative to the right frame arm can now be provided so that the left frame arm can utilize and perform one function and the right frame arm provide another or at least be independently operable from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating pain in a patient by applying a transdermal therapeutic system for the transdermal administration of buprenorphine for 7 days on the skin of a patient, said transdermal therapeutic system comprising a buprenorphine-containing self-adhesive layer structure comprising A) a buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, and B) a buprenorphine-containing matrix layer on said buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, the matrix layer comprising a) a polymer base, b) buprenorphine, and c) a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, levulinic acid and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient so that said buprenorphine is solubilized therein to form a mixture, and the carboxylic acid buprenorphine mixture forms dispersed deposits in the polymer base, and C) a skin contact layer on said buprenorphine-containing matrix layer comprising a polymer-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, and optionally wherein the buprenorphine-conta

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating fabrics by using an automatic laundry washing machine, in which unwetted fabrics are contacted with water that has been automatically pre-treated with a pre-treatment composition comprising at least one chelant before the wash cycle starts.

Abstract: Systems and methods to perform remote monitoring on a vehicle are described. One embodiment determines a state of a vehicle, where data associated with the vehicle is collected and logged. The data is transmitted to a data server. The data is processed, and vehicle information is extracted from the data. A state of the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle information.

Abstract: A controller assembly allows an adjusted flow of water through a hydronic emitter in order to heat or cool an environmental entity. The controller assembly operates in two phases: a calibration phase and an operational phase. During the calibration phase, the controller assembly discovers a valve position where water starts to flow through the hydronic emitter based on signals from a temperature sensor and/or a sound sensor. The temperature sensor may be mounted in close proximity of the emitter inlet so that the controller assembly can detect when the temperature starts to change. The sound sensor may be mounted on the valve body to detect a rushing water sound that is associated with a start of the water flow. The discovered valve position is subsequently used by the controller assembly to adjust water flow between a minimum flow and a maximum flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, methods and kits for separating biological materials, particularly populations of cells of different densities. The invention finds particular utility in the separation of blood into its different component parts or cellular populations. An insert for a centrifuge tube is disclosed that facilitates the effective separation of blood fractions by achieving a sharp and distinct interface between the density gradient medium and the blood sample. Methods and kits involving the use of the insert in separating cells are described.

Abstract: A device including an SOI substrate and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in a trench that extends through a buried insulation layer and into a semiconductor bulk substrate of the SOI substrate is disclosed. The isolation structure includes a first dielectric layer positioned in a lower portion of the trench, a first material layer positioned above the first dielectric layer, the first material layer having a material different from a material of the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer positioned above the first material layer, the second dielectric layer having a material different from the material of the first material layer.