Abstract: Methods and means for evaluating and summarizing physical quality metrics associated with stretch films and other plastics are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a processor- or computer-enabled business method such as a software program or mobile application capable of calculating and comparing stretch film data and conveying easily understood summaries of film characteristics and cost impacts associated therewith is provided. According to a second aspect, the system and method provides a vast plurality of film performance metrics, costs factor, environmental impacts, and so, calculated and presented in a dashboard-type user interface.

Abstract: A method of purging a substrate carrier at a load port includes: opening a door of a substrate carrier that is delivered to a load port; spraying the substrate carrier with a gas flow responsive to the opening the door; mapping substrates within the substrate carrier to generate a substrate map; determining a process purge state based on the substrate map; and activating one or more inter-substrate nozzle arrays and one or more curtain nozzle arrays using a predefined spray status configuration for the process purge state.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for managing energy distribution. Data relating to energy usage by one or more energy receiving devices may be collected and used to determine an energy transfer schedule. One or more wireless energy transfer devices may wirelessly transfer energy, based on the energy transfer schedule, to one or more of the energy receiving devices.

Abstract: A method of purging a substrate carrier at a load port includes: opening a door of a substrate carrier that is delivered to a load port; spraying the substrate carrier with a gas flow responsive to the opening the door; mapping substrates within the substrate carrier to generate a substrate map; determining a process purge state based on the substrate map; and activating one or more inter-substrate nozzle arrays and one or more curtain nozzle arrays using a predefined spray status configuration for the process purge state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, apparatus, and methods for purging a substrate carrier. Embodiments include a frame configured to sit proximate to a load port door without interfering with operation of a factory interface or equipment front end module robot; one or more inter-substrate nozzle arrays supported by the frame and configured to spray gas into a substrate carrier; and one or more curtain nozzle arrays supported by the frame and configured to spray gas across an opening of the substrate carrier. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, apparatus, and methods for purging a substrate carrier. Embodiments include a frame configured to sit proximate to a load port door without interfering with operation of a factory interface or equipment front end module robot; one or more inter-substrate nozzle arrays supported by the frame and configured to spray gas into a substrate carrier; and one or more curtain nozzle arrays supported by the frame and configured to spray gas across an opening of the substrate carrier. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

Abstract: The present invention provides wound dressings, optionally surgically implantable, containing biodegradable, polymers and hydrogels having allogenic or autologous precursor cells, such as stem cells and progenitor cells dispersed within. Alternatively, the wound dressings can have conditioned medium obtained from the precursor cells dispersed within. The wound dressings promote tissue restoration processes at a site of application or implantation. Additional bioactive agents can also be dispersed within the polymer/hydrogel matrix, which can be formulated to biodegrade at a controlled rate by adjusting the composition. Methods are also provided for using such biodegradable wound dressings as a delivery device or carrier for the precursor cells, conditioned medium and bioactive agents, or as coatings on implantable medical devices, to promote tissue restoration at a lesion site.

Abstract: The present invention provides adhesion barrier compositions based on a solution of at least one of a biodegradable polyester amide (PEA), polyester urethane (PEUR), or polyester urea (PEU) polymers, dissolved in a biocompatible solvent. The compositions can be applied to a tissue surface, such as in open surgery, as a viscous liquid which forms an adhesive film upon being sprayed or painted onto the tissue surface. Alternatively, the composition can be applied to the tissue surface as a preformed solid layer or double layer (either porous or non-porous) that adheres to the tissue surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for validating a position of an airborne platform, by comparing rate of change of a measure of barometric altitude with rate of change of a measure of geometric altitude. When the difference in rates of change exceeds at least one predetermined threshold an indication is provided that a threshold has been exceeded. The methods may be employed onboard an aircraft and/or at an air traffic control site, provided the aircraft transmits the necessary parameters. The comparison not only provides validation of vertical positioning information (altitude) but also horizontal positioning information. Corresponding apparatus, systems, programs for computers, and communications signals are also provided.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.

Abstract: A cordless electronic device with power management system and method is provided that includes an outer surface, a power consumption circuit operable to consume power and for use in a cordless electronic device, a power supply circuit operable to regulate the power from a power source used to power the power consumption circuit of the cordless electronic device, a power control circuit operable to receive an input signal and to place the power consumption circuit in a lower or higher power state upon receipt of the input signal, a presence sensor operable to detect the presence of a user and to provide a presence sensor input signal to the power control circuit to place the power consumption circuit in the higher power state.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for providing a playlist transport bar. The playlist transport bar provides an overlay which graphically represents assets (e.g., programs) of a playlist in a manner that enables a user to simultaneously ascertain a playback position within the playlist and a particular asset. The playlist transport may include asset regions which each correspond to an asset in a playlist and a position indication region which may provide information relating to a playback position.

Abstract: The present invention provides wound healing or wound care polymer compositions that can be formulated to release a wound healing agent at a controlled rate by adjusting the various components of the composition. The compositiona can be used in an external wound dressing, as a polymer implant for delivery of the wound healing agent to an internal body site, or as a coating on the surface of an implantable surgical device to deliver wound healing agents that are dispersed in a biodegradable polymer or hydrogel, or both. Methods of using the invention bioactive polymer compositions to deliver wound healing agents that promote natural healing of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are also provided.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display Legions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioactive polymer compositions that can be formulated to release a wound healing agent at a controlled rate by adjusting the various components of the composition. The composition can be used in an external wound dressing, as a polymer implant for delivery of the wound healing agent to an internal body site, or as a coating on the surface of an implantable surgical device to deliver wound healing agents that are covalently attached to a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer and/or embedded within a hydrogel. Methods of using the invention bioactive polymer compositions to promote natural healing of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a vascular stent or other implantable medical device can be coated with a biodegradable biocompatible polymer to which is attached a bioligand that specifically captures progenitors of endothelial cells (PECs) from the circulating blood to promote endogenous formation of healthy endothelium in Type II diabetics. In one embodiment, the bioligand is a peptide that specifically binds to an integrin receptor on PECs. The invention also provides methods for using such vascular stents and other implantable devices to promote vascular healing in Type II diabetics, for example following mechanical intervention.