Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A method and system for using input signal quality in an automatic speech recognition system. The method includes measuring the quality of an input signal into a speech recognition system and varying a rejection threshold of the speech recognition system at runtime in dependence on the measurement of the input signal quality. If the measurement of the input signal quality is low, the rejection threshold is reduced and, if the measurement of the input signal quality is high, the rejection threshold is increased. The measurement of the input signal quality may be based on one or more of the measurements of signal-to-noise ratio, loudness, including clipping, and speech signal duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing first data describing online activities of a user and accessing second data describing online activities of each of one or more content publishers. The method includes, based at least in part on the first data and the second data, determining one or more similarities between the user and each of the content publishers. The method includes, based at least in part on one or more of the similarities, selecting each of one or more of the content publishers as a key influencer for the user and selecting particular content published by a particular one of the key influencers for summary and delivery to the user. The method includes generating a summary of the particular content and automatically delivering to the user the particular content and the summary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum filter device (10) which includes a filter body (11) having two holders (12, 13) on opposite sides of a filter. Each holder contains a closed container (15, 16) in a fluid-tight, sealed relationship. The filter is retained by a compression sealing element that resiliently applies a sealing pressure to the upper surface of the filter. The sealing element is maintained in place by a compression element formed of a ring that applies a desired compressive force to the sealing element. The compression element is bonded to a portion of the body to hold it, the sealing element and filter in place and under a compression seal. Other aspects of the invention include provisions for forming a port in the compression element that can be aligned with the vent of the device. The invention also can provide for an alignment feature on the compression element that ensures the port is in alignment with the vent of the device.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein removable inserts with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular inserts chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The inserts are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the multiplate facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: An oven comprises a housing or structure presenting a plurality of inner walls and outer walls, the inner walls defining an oven cavity in which means are provided for cooking foods, the means comprising a grill for browning the foods, the oven also comprising a door for closing the cavity. At least one aperture is present in at least one of the walls of the oven cavity, or in the door, for selective connection to the environment external to the oven, such as to interceptably introduce fresh ambient air into the cavity, controllable interceptor means being provided at the aperture to enable this selectivity in introducing the ambient air into the cavity.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, particularly a cooking appliance, having a metallic surface, is provided with a coating based on silicon oxide. Such coating is deposited on the metallic surface by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The coating protects the metallic surface from scratching, staining and thermal yellowing.

Abstract: Disclosed are sweetener compositions that comprise rebaudioside A and have a taste profile, mouthfeel, texture, and other physical properties comparable to that of caloric sweeteners.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for processing a request made by a requester is provided. The method may include receiving at least one request from at least one requester, the request being in the form of natural language; analyzing the request with an agent; selecting at least one form based on analyzing the request; permitting a service agent to perform at least one step in association with the request; executing at least one update based on at least one form; and, forwarding information regarding processing of the request to a learning module operatively associated with the agent.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems to automate a procedural task.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating information within a network having one or more communication buses (5, 6, 7, 8), consisting of one or more elements (20, 30, 40) to maximise throughput and minimise CPU involvement by executing the following. Compare incoming message identifiers (14) against a set of predetermined identifiers (22). Transpose data sets (12) within the incoming message data frame and where necessary, save and/or transmit new frames as defined by operations dependent upon the incoming identifier. By utilising an optimal set of operands the memory requirement is satisfied by a minimal size of standard type.

Abstract: An oven comprising a box housing with an internal cavity bounded by walls, and provided on one side with an opening closable by a movable door, at at least one of the walls there being provided a browning or grilling member comprising an electrical resistance element, and presenting a first side facing the wall and a second side, opposite the first side, facing the interior of the oven cavity in which at least one food item is positioned to be subjected to cooking and/or grilling, this latter function being obtained by activating the member. In a position corresponding with first side of the grilling member a flat element is provided presenting two opposing flat faces, a first face presenting high emissivity and the second face presenting high reflectivity or reflective power, the element being able to be moved relative to the member such that this latter can be faced by the first face or the second face, depending on the type of cooking required for the food item positioned within the oven cavity.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A kite control system including an aerodynamic wing with a leading edge and first and second opposing wingtips, a control device, a first steering line secured to the first wingtip and the control device, a second steering line secured to the second wingtip and the control device, and a trim line secured to the leading edge substantially between the opposing wingtips, wherein the trim line has a user adjustable length device that allows the user to adjust and mechanically fix the length of the trim line while the aerodynamic wing is in flight.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: The invention provides sulfated oxidised regenerated cellulose compounds, sulfated alginates, and the salts and hydrates thereof. The compounds are obtained by sulfation of oxidised regenerated cellulose with sulfur trioxide. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, in particular compositions for the treatment of medical conditions mediated by a matrix metalloproteinases and anticoagulant pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A control device for use with an aerodynamic wing including a bar having a fixed trim adjustment located between the bar and the user. The invention also includes a stopper that permits the user to quickly adjust the range of available dynamic trim. Preferably, the stopper does not lock until it engages the control bar, allowing the user to slide it quickly and easily to the desired location. The control systems of the invention provide a safety depower function when the end of the fixed trim is secured to a safety line.

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing the power consumption of a wireless terminal and increasing capacity of a wireless communication system, without sacrificing the functions of the terminal. A base station includes a memory for storing the characteristics of the wireless terminal, the types of voice traffic that are supported by the terminal, and a program for executing an algorithm for exchanging control messages with the terminal via a wireless network. The algorithm is modified based on the particular characteristics of the wireless terminal, and sets the frequency of message exchange to not to exceed a predetermined frequency. In addition, the algorithm limits a time that information is displayed on the wireless terminal to a predetermined duration of time.