Abstract: A keyboard for a computer. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys for providing both digital and analog inputs. Additionally, the keyboard comprises keys for functions such as activating a camera or a microphone, scrolling windows on a computer screen, and so forth. The keys are covered with a flexible keycap surface that provides resistance to elements such as water and dust.

Abstract: A cargo carrier is disclosed for the efficient delivery of cargo to space, such as to support the International Space Station (ISS). Both pressurized and unpressurized cargo may be delivered into space on an expendable launch vehicle, such as the Delta-IV rocket. The cargo carrier may utilize a slightly modified Delta-IV second stage to provide on-orbit station keeping of the payload until it is transferred to the ISS. The cargo carrier can include an unpressurized section having a rigid central structure supporting a frame to which unpressurized cargo modules are coupled. In addition, a pressurized cargo section may be coupled to the unpressurized section. The cargo carrier may utilize existing on-orbit assets such as the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to transfer the ISS cargo from a rendezvous orbit to the ISS.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for a display system driving a display device is provided. The display system includes a processor, a primary display controller, a secondary display controller and the display device. The primary display controller receives display data that is sent by the processor. The primary display controller also drives the display device when the processor sends new display frames. When these display frames are sent by the processor continuously, control of the display device is switched to the secondary display controller, which is optimized for a low-power operation.

Abstract: A flexible fluid filled actuator has an elastic bladder and a guide surrounding the bladder. The guide has asymmetrical elastic properties. When the bladder is inflated the guide directs the bladder to expand preferentially in a selected direction or directions. The actuator has utility in the traction and/or unloading of portions of the body. A fluid-filled traction apparatus is disclosed which has particular advantages in spinal unloading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging materials that may be used for components in an image forming apparatus. The packaging material may include polymeric fiber which may be in the form of a non-woven, woven or knit fabric. The fiber may contain less than 5.0% of compounds having molecular weights of equal to or less than about 2500. The packaging material may also absorb developing agent.

Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.

Abstract: A multi-lumen stoma or tract measuring device and method of using the same. The measuring device generally including a multi-lumen shaft, a head secured to one end of the shaft, and a deployable retention member secured to the shaft. The head having an opening in communication with each of the lumens, the deployable retention member being in communication with one of the lumens of the shaft. The multi-lumen device adapted to receive a guidewire therethrough.

Abstract: Transverse frame members (14, 16) extend across and are connected to longitudinal frame members (10, 12). Frame member (14) divides longitudinal frame members (10, 12) into major and minor parts (20, 22, 24, 26). The minor parts (24, 26) are braced by gussets (70, 72) which extend between the minor parts (24, 26) and a vertical web portion (68) of the transverse beam (14). The minor parts (24, 26) of the frame members (10, 12) and the central portion of the frame member (14) form a nook (76) in the cylinder components (80, 82, 84, 102, 104) are received. Piston rod portions (92, 94, 96) of the assembly of linear motors extend from the cylinder component portions to guide bearings (100) mounted in openings (56, 58, 60) formed in the vertical web (54) of the second transverse beam (16). Bolts are used to connect the inner corner portions of the assembly of linear hydraulic motors to mounting pads (34, 36).

Abstract: A method and system of speech recognition presented by a back channel from multiple user sites within a network supporting cable television and/or video delivery is disclosed.

Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.

Abstract: Aluminium alloy sheet having on a surface anodic oxide film and an overlying coating consisting essentially of at least one adhesion promoter excluding silanes. Sheet for architectural use carries a paint layer over the adhesion promoter coating. Sheet for automobile use may carry an electroconductive paint primer layer over the adhesion promoter coating. Preferred adhesion promoters are polyacrylic acid and pretreatments containing Cr, Mn, Mo, Si, Ti, Zr and F values.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a catheter which enables the venting or decompression of gases therethrough and, more particularly, to enteral tubes or catheters. The catheter may be configured to allow continuous venting with reduced concern about liquid leakage or the need for the user to limit their activities or assume certain positions during venting.

Abstract: A vent integral with the top surface of toner hopper (5) having three labyrinth channels (3a-3c) oriented in one direction and three labyrinth channels (3d-3f) oriented in an orthogonal direction. Each labyrinth communicates with the inside of the hopper by a hole (13a-13f) and the end of each labyrinth communicates with filter pad (7) held in a basin (11) formed in the top surface of hopper (5). Cover (9) closes the vent except for hole (15) over the center of pad (7).

Abstract: Developer roller (5) is rotated rapidly for high speed printing, which can cause excessive heating at end seal (1). Heat damage to toner (24) is avoided by providing gaps (30a, 30b) under the seals (1) which reduce the stiffness of roller (5) and thereby reduce frictional heating.

Abstract: Traditional techniques for data reception in burst-mode receivers are of significant complexity. To aid detection, most burst-mode systems transmit a preamble, or predetermined data pattern, at the start of each new block of data. Using current methods, the detection of a new preamble, indicating the arrival of a new burst of data, is particularly complex. A method and apparatus is disclosed that significantly reduces this detection complexity, while maintaining superior signaling performance. This simplification can lead to higher data throughput within processing-limited receivers, and/or a greater degree of parallelism in multiple channel receivers.

Abstract: A dual compression voice recordation non-repudiation system provides a voice recognition system that compresses voice samples for two purposes: voice recognition and human communication. The user navigates through menus displayed to a user through a television set using both voice commands and button presses on a remote control. The invention accepts voice samples from the remote control and compresses the voice sample for voice recognition while a copy of the voice sample is stored on a storage device. Compressed voice samples are sent to a Voice Engine that performs voice recognition on the voice sample to verify if it is from an authorized user from the consumer's household and determines the action required. If the command is to form a contractual agreement or make a purchase, the Voice Engine determines the merchant server that is appropriate for the action and sends the action request to the server.

Abstract: A portable boat beaching device that works with a tire to dock or beach a boat at a water's edge, shore-line, or a river bank and the like. The beaching device comprises a flexible tire cover and at least one floatation guide member. The beaching device optionally comprises at least one ballast guide member and/or at least one tire ballast member and/or a cover tightening system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters wherein at least the proximal end of the balloon thereof is invertedly attached to the catheter shaft. Other aspects of the balloon catheters will have both ends of the balloon inverted. The present invention contemplates numerous other variations and modifications. As such, other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: A preferred method includes providing a substrate and depositing a capacitor material upon the substrate. A portion of the capacitor material is then removed to form an interdigitated capacitor structure that incorporates a first contact and a second contact. Thereafter, a dielectric material is applied upon the interdigitated capacitor structure so that the structure is at least partially encapsulated by the substrate and the dielectric material. Capacitor structures also are provided.

Abstract: A reciprocating floor conveyor (10) including a support frame (12), and a conveyor floor (14), which is comprised of a plurality of laterally spaced-apart conveyor slats (16), a plurality of laterally spaced-apart holding slats (18), and a series of divider planks (20). Divider planks (20) are fixedly secured to the upper portion of support framework (12). Conveyor slats (16) are mounted on support frame (12) for longitudinal reciprocation between “start” and “advanced” positions. Holding slats (18) are mounted on support frame (12) for vertical movement between and “up” position in which the holding slats (18) are above the conveyor slats (16), and a “down” position, in which the holding slats (18) are below the conveyor slats (16).