Abstract: A technical support system includes a problems data store storing a problem information related to a plurality of problems identified in response to other reported incidents, a problem search module configured to search the problem information based on one or more key words to determine problem information that is relevant to the one or more key words and that is applicable to a general population of computer systems, and a problem filter module configured to filter the determined problem information based on the parameters associated with the end-user's computer system configuration to determine problem information that is specific to the end-user's computer system.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.

Abstract: A method of preparing matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials for implantation, and in particular to a method of improving decellularisation of matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials prior to implantation. The method employs a single anionic detergent in combination with protease inhibitors.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for obtaining customer support includes transmitting parameters specific to an end user product to a network-based application operable to dynamically generate a web page instructive of a solution to a problem associated with the end user product based on the parameters; receiving an interactive link to the dynamically generated web page; and browsing the dynamically generated web page by selecting the interactive link. The method may further include implementing the solution by performing steps instructed in the web page. An embodiment of a system is operable to perform operations comprising receiving parameters specific to an end user product; dynamically generating a web page instructive of a solution to a problem associated with the end user product based on the parameters; generating an interactive link to the dynamically generated web page.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A method and composition is disclosed for making conductive flow field separator plates having reduced resistivity, lower weight and lower cost. The plates are made by blending from about 0.5 wt % to about 40 wt %, preferably from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, most preferably from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, of the liquid crystal polymer; from about 0.5 wt % to about 40 wt %, preferably from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, most preferably from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of the poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride); and from about 20 wt % to about 99 wt %, preferably from about 60 wt % to about 98 wt %, most preferably from about 70 wt % to about 90 wt % of the conductive filler. The blend is then moulded to form the conductive flow field separator plates.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming sealed via structures. One method involves: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; (b) forming a layer on the first surface of the substrate; (c) etching a via hole through the substrate from the second surface to the layer, the via hole having a first perimeter at the first surface; (d) forming an aperture in the layer, wherein the aperture has a second perimeter within the first perimeter; and (e) providing a conductive structure for sealing the via structure. Also provided are sealed via structures, methods of detecting leakage in a sealed device package, sealed device packages, device packages having cooling structures, and methods of bonding a first component to a second component.

Abstract: Provided are coaxial waveguide microstructures. The microstructures include a substrate and a coaxial waveguide disposed above the substrate. The coaxial waveguide includes: a center conductor; an outer conductor including one or more walls, spaced apart from and disposed around the center conductor; one or more dielectric support members for supporting the center conductor in contact with the center conductor and enclosed within the outer conductor; and a core volume between the center conductor and the outer conductor, wherein the core volume is under vacuum or in a gas state. Also provided are methods of forming coaxial waveguide microstructures by a sequential build process and hermetic packages which include a coaxial waveguide microstructure.

Abstract: A power system and method of supplying electrical power to a load is disclosed and wherein the invention includes a plurality of serially electrically coupled DC power sources each having an electrical power output which is supplied to a load; a charge storage device electrically coupled with the plurality of DC power sources, and having a maximum electrical charge which is substantially equal to the electrical power output of one of the plurality of DC power sources; and means for electrically decoupling at least one of the plurality of DC power sources while simultaneously electrically discharging the charge storage device to the load.

Abstract: Provided are optical assemblies which allow for optical and mechanical connection between an optical bench and an optical fiber connector. The invention finds particular applicability in the optoelectronics industry in forming micro-optical components.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming sealed via structures. One method involves: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; (b) forming a layer on the first surface of the substrate; (c) etching a via hole through the substrate from the second surface to the layer, the via hole having a first perimeter at the first surface; (d) forming an aperture in the layer, wherein the aperture has a second perimeter within the first perimeter; and (e) providing a conductive structure for sealing the via structure. Also provided are sealed via structures, methods of detecting leakage in a sealed device package, sealed device packages, device packages having cooling structures, and methods of bonding a first component to a second component.

Abstract: A novel class of Cylic Acetal biomaterials (CABs) based on a cyclic acetal unit is disclosed and claimed by Applicants. Two novel biomaterials suitable for use in a variety of biological applications including in the orthopedic field for joint and cartilage replacement and/or repair, and bone cement. The biomaterials are comprised of either a network of monomers of 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-?,?-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-2-ethanol diacrylate (EHD) and a hydrogel comprised of EHD and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-EHD).

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming sealed via structures. One method involves: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; (b) forming a layer on the first surface of the substrate; (c) etching a via hole through the substrate from the second surface to the layer, the via hole having a first perimeter at the first surface; (d) forming an aperture in the layer, wherein the aperture has a second perimeter within the first perimeter; and (e) providing a conductive structure for sealing the via structure. Also provided are sealed via structures, methods of detecting leakage in a sealed device package, sealed device packages, device packages having cooling structures, and methods of bonding a first component to a second component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of, and apparatus for, utilising ultrasonic energy so as to mechanically disrupt the collagenous architecture of biological matrices in a controlled manner so that the tissue can be rapidly recellularised in continuous form. The present invention also provides for the production of tissue matrices with improved recellularisation properties, cell stratification or patterning.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stationary exercise station is provided. The stationary exercise station includes a computer which may run a computer program. The computer program simulates the motion of a first virtual bicycle and a second virtual bicycle. The first virtual bicycle and the second virtual bicycle riding through a predetermined landscape. The computer program simulates moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also include a video monitor in communication with the computer. The video monitor displays the moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also includes steerable handlebars, rotatable pedals, a force resisting pedal rotation, and a movable gear-shifting member.

Abstract: An electronic circuit connects to an airbag crash controller in a way which is functionally identical to an airbag squib. Based on a squib fire signal from the controller, the circuit provides an activation signal indicating airbag deployment and also allows communication with an airbag crash controller by creating an open circuit that is detected by the airbag crash controller as an airbag fault. Each functional part of the circuit includes an isolator to protect the airbag crash controller.

Abstract: A measuring tape end piece (10) is disclosed having a support portion (28) and a grip portion (32). The grip portion is moulded onto the support portion. The support portion provides a keying interface on which the support portion is moulded. The keying interface includes at least one concave formation such as a hole or channel to allow the grip portion to be firmly secured to the support portion.

Abstract: An airbag assembly employs tape sensors to monitor the rate at which an airbag is deployed. The airbag is part of an airbag module that incorporates a vent that can be actuated if it is determined by logic associated with the airbag that the airbag has prematurely collided with an object. To better determine the dynamics of the airbag deployment, a sensor is positioned across a tear seam in the cover through which the airbag breaks. The sensor provides a direct indicator that the tear seam has opened, which is used as the starting time for monitoring the rate of airbag deployment. The tear seam sensor could also be used in conjunction with any airbag electronics to control a function of an airbag.

Abstract: An electronic circuit connects to an airbag crash controller in a way which is functionally identical to an airbag squib. Based on a squib fire signal from the controller, the circuit provides an activation signal indicating airbag deployment and also allows communication with an airbag crash controller by creating an open circuit that is detected by the airbag crash controller as an airbag fault. Each functional part of the circuit includes an isolator to protect the airbag crash controller.

Abstract: An airbag module has a capacitive vehicle occupant sensor to detect an out-of-position vehicle occupant who is closely spaced from an airbag deployment door. The airbag module incorporates tape sensors, which monitor the rate at which a airbag is deployed, and a vent which can be actuated if the airbag deployment sensor controller or system logic associated with the airbag indicates a premature collision of the airbag with an out-of-position vehicle occupant. A capacitive vehicle occupant sensor is attached to the airbag module, or to the door through which the airbag deploys. In the event a vehicle occupant is closely spaced from the deployment door(s), airbag deployment is inhibited, the airbag module is simultaneously vented, or the airbag deployment profile is otherwise modified.