Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein provide an efficient user interface that enables users to respond to tasks quickly by providing automated quick task notifications via an audio channel. An audio channel quick task system includes components for recognizing and extracting quick tasks from content (e.g., interpersonal communications, composed content, line of business (LOB) application documents), and for prioritizing and routing the quick tasks to the user via an audio channel at an appropriate and relevant time. The system is enabled to process a user response, determine an action for handling the quick task, and execute the action on behalf of the user (e.g., pass a reply to a requestor, pass an instruction to an application or service, queue the quick task notification, delegate the quick task to another user or bot, forward the quick task to a companion device, or launch an application on a companion device).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel difluoromethyl-nicotinic indanyl carboxamides, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing thiazole derivatives.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that includes a frangible bonding agent for maintaining the absorbent article in a predetermined configuration. The frangible bonding agent may be disposed on a fastening system in order to maintain one or more portions of the fastening system in a particular position during manufacturing but still provide an easy-to-open fastener when used by a consumer.

Abstract: A transducer positioning device and a system for employing a transducer positioning device are used to determine and monitor fluid levels in a pressurized beverage keg that has a dip tube. One fluid is a liquid beverage. The other fluid is a compressed gas injected to push the beverage up through the dip tube. Each embodiment of the positioning device generally includes an acoustic transducer and a transducer support, and often includes a base. Other embodiments may include an angled adapter for the transducer and a prop and/or wheels for the base. Each embodiment of the system generally includes the transducer positioning device, a transceiver, software, and a graphic user interface, as well as wiring and a medium for data transmission. Other embodiments include at least one other electronic controller. The above may also be embodied as kits and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing substituted styrene derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to a process for producing certain phosphorus-containing cyanohydrin esters of formula (I) and the use thereof for producing glufosinate/glufosinate salts. The present invention further relates to a process for producing glufosinate/glufosinate salts.

Abstract: A multistage centrifugal pump includes a housing, a rotatable shaft and first and second turbomachinery stages. The first turbomachinery stage includes a first diffuser connected to the housing, a first impeller connected to the rotatable shaft. The second turbomachinery stage includes a second diffuser connected to the housing and a second impeller connected to the rotatable shaft. The multistage centrifugal pump further includes an integral axial load and bearing system that includes at least one diffuser bushing and at least one impeller bearing. The integral axial load and bearing system permits the independent axial movement of the first and second impellers. The integral axial load and bearing system also provides an opposite force to up-thrust and down-thrust produced by the first and second turbomachinery stages.

Abstract: A vibratory meter (5) including a multi-channel flow tube (130) is provided. The vibratory meter (5) includes a meter electronics (20) and a meter assembly (10) communicatively coupled to the meter electronics (20). The meter assembly (10) includes the multi-channel flow tube (130, 330, 430, 530) comprising two or more fluid channels (132, 332, 432, 532) surrounded by a tube wall (134, 334, 434, 534). The two or more fluid channels (132, 332, 432, 532) and tube wall (134, 334, 434, 534) comprise a single integral structure. A driver (180) is coupled to the multi-channel flow tube (130, 330, 430, 530). The driver (180) is configured to vibrate the multi-channel flow tube (130, 330, 430, 530). The two or more fluid channels (132, 332, 432, 532) and tube wall (134, 334, 434, 534) are configured to deform in the same direction as the single integral structure in response to a drive signal applied to the driver (180).

Abstract: A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

Abstract: Modular print engines and print engine components that are usable in desktop card printers for personalizing plastic cards such as financial cards including credit and debit cards, identification cards, driver's licenses, and other personalized plastic cards. The modular nature of the print engines and print engine components permit alteration in the specific functionality of the desktop card printers depending upon, for example, the personalization requirements of the plastic cards and intended applications of the desktop card printers. In addition, the modular print engine components can be completely tested prior to installation into the modular print engines to ensure that the modular print engine components are working correctly prior to installation. Furthermore, the modular print engine components add flexibility to the desktop card printers as upgraded functionality and features can be introduced by developing new modular components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising an organic semiconductor (OSC) and one or more organic solvents. The composition is solid at a temperature of 25° C. and fluid at a higher temperature and the boiling point of the solvent is at most 400° C. Furthermore, the present invention describes the use of these compositions as inks for the preparation of organic electronic (OE) devices, especially organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells and OLED devices, to methods for preparing OE devices using the novel compositions, and to OE devices, OLED devices and OPV cells prepared from such methods and compositions.

Abstract: A calibration architecture that enables accurate calibration of radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs) chips used in transceiver RF systems in a relatively simple testing environment. Embodiments of the invention include one or more on-chip switchable internal calibration paths that enable direct coupling of a portion of the on-chip circuit to an RF test system while isolating other circuitry on the chip. Some embodiments allow interconnection of switchable internal calibration paths between separate IC chips. Still other embodiments utilize internal switches and antenna mutual coupling to provide over-the-air calibration, alone or in combination with direct signal coupling via internal calibration paths. Periodic self-calibration of an RF IC can be performed after initial factory calibration, so that adjustments in desired performance parameters can be made while such an IC is embedded within a final system, and/or to take into account component degradation due to age or other factors.

Abstract: A method for wireline intervention in a subsea well from a floating vessel.

Abstract: Systems are provided that include a wireless hand-held inertial controller with passive optical and inertial tracking in a slim form-factor. These systems are configured for use with a head mounted virtual or augmented reality display device (HMD) that operates with six degrees of freedom by fusing (i) data related to the position of the controller derived from a forward-facing optical sensor located in the HMD with (ii) data relating to the orientation of the controller derived from an inertial measurement unit located in the controller.

Abstract: A calibration architecture that enables accurate calibration of radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs) chips used in transceiver RF systems in a relatively simple testing environment. Embodiments of the invention include one or more on-chip switchable internal calibration paths that enable direct coupling of a portion of the on-chip circuit to an RF test system while isolating other circuitry on the chip. Some embodiments allow interconnection of switchable internal calibration paths between separate IC chips. Still other embodiments utilize internal switches and antenna mutual coupling to provide over-the-air calibration, alone or in combination with direct signal coupling via internal calibration paths. Periodic self-calibration of an RF IC can be performed after initial factory calibration, so that adjustments in desired performance parameters can be made while such an IC is embedded within a final system, and/or to take into account component degradation due to age or other factors.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a contact metal layer disposed over a semiconductor surface of a substrate, a diffusion barrier layer disposed over the contact metal layer, an inert layer disposed over the diffusion barrier layer, and a solder layer disposed over inert layer.

Abstract: A method for forming an elastomeric laminate includes the steps of providing a first coverstock material; SELF'ing the first coverstock material to create a pre-SELFed coverstock layer having a primary activation pattern comprising SELF-specific land areas; providing an elastomeric layer; and joining the elastomeric layer to the pre-SELFed layer at zero relative strain, such that the elastomeric layer and pre-SELFed coverstock layer are joined at one or more bonding sites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing probabilities of collisions between humans and automated machines operating within a workplace are disclosed. An apparatus includes a collision probability determiner to determine a first probability of collision between an automated machine and a wearable safety vest. The apparatus further includes a safety manager to determine whether the first probability of collision exceeds a probability of collision threshold. The apparatus further includes a control signal generator to generate a first control signal in response to the safety manager determining that the first probability of collision exceeds the probability of collision threshold. The first control signal is to be transmitted to the automated machine to adjust an operation of the automated machine.

Abstract: The folding playard consists of a frame and a fabric enclosure mounted on the frame. The frame is composed of an array of scissoring tube pairs making up the sides of the structure. The fabric enclosure has the same number of sides as the frame and an integral bottom floor. To lock the playard in the “in use” position, a plastic hook clip, which is connected to the bottom floor fabric and the top of the structure is engaged. This strap ensures the tubes are locked in the “in use” position and the structure cannot collapse.