Abstract: A computer comprising a biometric device communicatively coupled to operational electronics of the computer and the biometric device being physically coupled to a housing of the computer in a non-removable fashion, the biometric device having an operative surface for receiving biometric input. The computer further comprising a mechanism associated with the biometric device and configured to control movement of the operative surface between extended and retracted positions, wherein the extended position is characterized such that the operative surface is exposed for use and the retracted position is characterized such that the operative surface is not exposed for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel series of polymers which have been prepared by blending hydrophobic biocompatible, biodegradable polymers or copolymers, such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and a biocompatible, amphipathic copolymer having a water absorption ratio of about 2 or less. A process for the preparation of the novel polymer blends and sustained release compositions comprising the novel polymer blends are also part of the invention described herein. Further the sustained release compositions can be used to deliver a biologically active with a desirable release profile and in a sustained fashion to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating wireless communication system for a computer device comprises an antenna configured for wireless communications, the antenna configured to dissipate heat generated by the computer device.

Abstract: A device for distributing waste heat from a heat source evenly across an exterior surface of an enclosure is disclosed. The device includes a first layer of material that has a high thermal conductivity along a first plane. One or more layers of material that include a controlled thermal conductivity along a second plane are connected with the first layer. At least one of those layers has a low thermal conductivity (e.g. a thermal insulating material) in the second plane and that layer is positioned between the heat source and the enclosure so that heat flow through that layer is substantially inhibited in the second plane and a majority of the waste heat is thermally transferred through the first layer along the first plane to the exterior surface where the waste heat is uniformly distributed thereby reducing hot spots on the exterior surface which can cause user discomfort.

Abstract: A computer device comprises a display member coupled to a base member by at least one friction clutch hinge. The computer device also comprises a biasing mechanism spaced apart from the at least one friction clutch hinge and adapted to bias the display member away from the base member.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for performing agricultural transactions involving the exchange of inputs, such as agricultural equipment, non-equipment agricultural inputs, and non-agricultural inputs, in consideration of a commitment to deliver a specified quantity of an agricultural commodity over a specified period of time. In consideration of the commitment and, in some cases, a payment, the agricultural producer receives the inputs. In effect, the payment may result in a substantial discount of the price that the agricultural producer would otherwise pay for the inputs. The methods also may be applicable to exchange of non-agricultural commodities.

Abstract: A computer device comprises a keyboard and an air-permeable barrier element disposed within the computer device and configured to prevent moisture migration through the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard lighting device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a moving member may be placed in an operating position protruding from the keyboard, or in a retracted position. In the operating position, light is redirected from a light source to the keyboard so that use of the keyboard in dark environments is facilitated. Preferably, when the moving member is in its retracted position, the keyboard light appears to be a key on the keyboard.

Abstract: A computer device comprises a display member coupled to a base member. The computer device further comprises a display protector actuatable in response to movement of the display member relative to the base member to protect a display screen of the display member.

Abstract: A computer device comprising a display member rotatably coupled to a base member to enable variable positioning of the display member relative to the base member about an axis. The computer device further comprises an anti-tip mechanism extending rearwardly from at least a portion of a bottom wall of the base member beyond the axis to resist movement of the base member away from a support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. The sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. the sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: A connector protection system comprises a connector accessible through a surface, a door that moves substantially parallel to the surface, and a wedge feature that actuates movement of the door.

Abstract: A computer thermal dissipation system comprises a computer device having a base member and a display member where the computer device has at least one airflow door disposed on the base member adapted to be opened to facilitate thermal energy dissipation from the base member.

Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products involves observing the price of an agricultural product at observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each of the observation points, the maximum price is selected when the observed price is greater than the maximum price, and the observed price is selected when the observed price is less than the maximum price. A price is calculated for a quantity of the agricultural product based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as elevators and elevator services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a portable computing device comprises at least one vent formed in a housing of the portable computing device and a thermal module adapted to dissipate thermal energy from within an interior area of the housing via the at least one vent. The system also comprises a sealing member adapted to prevent moisture from migrating from the at least one vent to the interior area of the housing.

Abstract: A device for distributing waste heat from a heat source evenly across an exterior surface of an enclosure is disclosed. The device includes a first layer of material that has a high thermal conductivity along a first plane. One or more layers of material that include a controlled thermal conductivity along a second plane are connected with the first layer. At least one of those layers has a low thermal conductivity (e.g. a thermal insulating material) in the second plane and that layer is positioned between the heat source and the enclosure so that heat flow through that layer is substantially inhibited in the second plane and a majority of the waste heat is thermally transferred through the first layer along the first plane to the exterior surface where the waste heat is uniformly distributed thereby reducing hot spots on the exterior surface which can cause user discomfort.

Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities involves observing the price of a commodity at several observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each observation point, the maximum price is selected in the event the observed price is greater than the maximum price, or the observed price is selected in the event the observed price is less than the maximum price. The price for a quantity of the commodity then is calculated based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as resellers and reseller services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable box construction (10?) for transporting horticultural products which comprises a body unit (11?) including an elongated rectangular body member (20?) having a plurality of independent panels (22?) (23?) (23?) (24?), the upper and lower portions of which are further provided with mounting apertures (29) and registration slots (28); wherein the upper and lower portions of the body member (20?) are adapted to be hingedly yet releasably received in oppositely faced channels (42) and (38) formed in a lid unit (13) and a base unit (12) and which are further provided with mounting apertures (49) and (33) respectively, which are adapted to receive mounting plugs (50) for connecting the lid unit (13) and the base unit (12) to the body unit (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a power supply. The system includes a power supply and a controller for outputting a command signal to regulate the operation of the power supply. The controller determines the command signal based on at least one error signal which is selected from a plurality of error signals based on a selection criterion.