Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for merging content segments from a number of discrete media content (e.g., audio/video podcasts) in preparation for playback. The method and apparatus obtain metadata corresponding to a plurality of discrete media content. The metadata identifies the content segments and their corresponding timing information, such that the metadata of at least one of the plurality of discrete media content is derived using one or more media processing techniques. A number of the content segments are selected to be merged for playback using the timing information from the metadata. The merged media content can be implemented as a playlist identifying the content segments to be merged for playback. The merged media content can also be generated by extracting the content segments to be merged for playback from each of the media files/streams and then merging the extracted segments into one or more merged media files/streams.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for dynamic presentation of advertising, factual, informational content and combinations thereof. In particular, the advertising content is dynamically presented according to the playback of corresponding segments identified within a media file or stream.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus for providing a virtual media channel based on media search is featured. The method and apparatus features the steps of, or structure for, obtaining a set of rules that define instructions for obtaining media content that comprise the content for a media channel, the set including at least one rule with instructions to include media content resulting from a search; searching for candidate media content according to a search query defined by the at least one rule; and merging one or more of the candidate media content resulting from the search into the content for the media channel. The candidate media content can include segments of the media content resulting from the search. The set of rules can additionally include a rule with instructions to add media content from a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timed tagging of content is featured. The method and apparatus can include the steps of, or structure for, obtaining at least one keyword tag associated with discrete media content; generating a timed segment index of discrete media content, the timed segment index identifying content segments of the discrete media content and corresponding timing boundaries of the content segments; searching the timed segment index for a match to the at least one keyword tag, the match corresponding to at least one of the content segments identified in the segment index; and generating a timed tag index that includes the at least one keyword tag and the timing boundaries corresponding to the least one content segment of the discrete media content containing the match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reindexing media content for search applications that includes steps and structure for providing a speech recognition database that include entries defining acoustical representations for a plurality of words; providing a searchable database containing a plurality of metadata documents descriptive of a plurality of media resources, each of the plurality of metadata documents including a sequence of speech recognized text indexed using the speech recognition database; updating the speech recognition database with at least one word candidate; and reindexing the sequence of speech recognized text for a subset of the plurality of metadata documents using the updated speech recognition database.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for merging content segments from a number of discrete media content (e.g., audio/video podcasts) in preparation for playback. The method and apparatus obtain metadata corresponding to a plurality of discrete media content. The metadata identifies the content segments and their corresponding timing information, such that the metadata of at least one of the plurality of discrete media content is derived using one or more media processing techniques. A number of the content segments are selected to be merged for playback using the timing information from the metadata. The merged media content can be implemented as a playlist identifying the content segments to be merged for playback. The merged media content can also be generated by extracting the content segments to be merged for playback from each of the media files/streams and then merging the extracted segments into one or more merged media files/streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timed tagging of content is featured. The method and apparatus can include the steps of, or structure for, obtaining at least one keyword tag associated with discrete media content; generating a timed segment index of discrete media content, the timed segment index identifying content segments of the discrete media content and corresponding timing boundaries of the content segments; searching the timed segment index for a match to the at least one keyword tag, the match corresponding to at least one of the content segments identified in the segment index; and generating a timed tag index that includes the at least one keyword tag and the timing boundaries corresponding to the least one content segment of the discrete media content containing the match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timed tagging of content is featured. The method and apparatus can include the steps of, or structure for, obtaining at least one keyword tag associated with discrete media content; generating a timed segment index of discrete media content, the timed segment index identifying content segments of the discrete media content and corresponding timing boundaries of the content segments; searching the timed segment index for a match to the at least one keyword tag, the match corresponding to at least one of the content segments identified in the segment index; and generating a timed tag index that includes the at least one keyword tag and the timing boundaries corresponding to the least one content segment of the discrete media content containing the match.

Abstract: A device for processing of printing defects detected in a printing machine which in a first phase delivers a printed support. The printing defects (20, 21, 22) on the support (1) are detected in a detection station. A database connected to the detection station can simultaneously store information relating to each detected printing defect. The processing device connected to the database can, in a second phase, process the stored information in order to evaluate the quality of overall printing of the printed support and can use various possible scenarios, even before the support (1) is cut in a third phase, to define all those portions (23) of the support which should be removed in order to improve the final quality of the printed product within the limit of a restriction in the number of portions which it has been agreed to cut out.

Abstract: Device and method for the automatic register setting of printings printed by plate cylinders in a rotary machine using inks of a plurality of colors. The printing machine particularly comprises a succession of printing units, at least one pulse generator, two pull rollers located downstream of the printing units, a combination of plate cylinders and compensating rollers to correct some register errors, scanning heads each located near and downstream to the respective printing units. Each printing unit particularly includes one of the plate cylinders as well as one of the pressing cylinders. Each pressing cylinder is controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: A device for processing of printing defects detected in a printing machine which in a first phase delivers a printed support. The printing defects (20, 21, 22) on the support (1) are detected in a detection station. A database connected to the detection station can simultaneously store information relating to each detected printing defect. The processing device connected to the database can, in a second phase, process the stored information in order to evaluate the quality of overall printing of the printed support and can use various possible scenarios, even before the support (1) is cut in a third phase, to define all those portions (23) of the support which should be removed in order to improve the final quality of the printed product within the limit of a restriction in the number of portions which it has been agreed to cut out.

Abstract: Device and method for the automatic register setting of printings printed by plate cylinders (6, 7, 8, n1) in a rotary machine using inks of a plurality of colors. The printing machine particularly comprises a succession of printing units (3, 4, 5, n), at least one pulse generator (23), two pull rollers (14, 15) located downstream of said printing units (3, 4, 5, n), means (7, 8, n1, 12, 13, n3) of correction to correct some register errors, scanning heads (24, 25, n6) each located near and downstream to the respective printing units (4, 5, n). Each printing unit (3, 4, 5, n) particularly includes one of said plate cylinders (6, 7, 8, n1) as well as one of said pressing cylinders (9, 10, 11, n2). Each pressing cylinder being controlled by one of the control units (20, 21, 22, n5).

Abstract: The process and the device for measuring the displacement of a web within a multi-color rotary printing press by means of a mark simultaneously printed with each color in an area free of any printing characterized by the mark passing beneath the photodetector arrangements for generating a signal. The method and the device are further characterized by the fact that the pair of photodetectors are arranged side-by-side along a crosswise line with the edges of the field for each detector arrangement being positioned above the web at the expected position for the passage of the center of the crosswise symmetrical mark and the crosswise displacement of the web is determined by the difference between the intensity variations of the signals created by each of the two photodetectors when the mark passes therethrough.

Abstract: A paster roller is provided for use on high speed web handling equipment of the type having a support upon which a feed roll and a new roll are mounted. Variable torque brakes associated with each roll exhibit a substantially constant coefficient of friction at all web speeds. Apparatus for splicing the web from the feed roll onto the web from the new roll is provided including a uniquely designed paster roller having a deflectable outer surface with annular grooves situated therein. The brakes each include a brake caliper assembly for use in conjunction with the rotatable shaft upon which the roll is mounted which has a disc member associated therewith. The assembly includes a housing having a bore therein. A port provides a fluid connection between the extension of the housing and the bore. A cylindrical puck member is at least partially received within the bore.

Abstract: Solvents evaporated from ink solutions in the drying sections of a multi-station printing press are converted into harmless gases by heating in an oxidation chamber. The amount of energy required to maintain the oxidation temperature is substantially reduced by preheating the exhaust by passing same through a previously heated bed of ceramic heat exchanger elements prior to introduction into the oxidation chamber. At high solvent concentration levels, preheating to the ignition temperature may result in excess heat of combustion being generated which is detrimental to the oxidation chamber structure. In order to regulate the heat generated, a portion of the heat exchanger bed is bypassed by a regulated amount of exhaust. Alternatively, the solvent concentration level of the exhaust can be lowered by mixing same with the floor sweep exhaust (of substantially lower solvent concentration) in regulated proportions in order to control the amount of heat of combustion generated during preheating.

Abstract: A variable torque core brake exhibiting a constant coefficient of friction at all web speeds is regulated in accordance with the position of a dancer roller to maintain web tension at a constant level. Steady state changes in web tension caused by the gradual reduction of the diameter of the feed roll as web is removed therefrom are compensated for by electronically generating a signal representative of the effective diameter of the feed roll and varying the torque on the brake associated with the core of the feed roll in accordance with the signal so as to maintain a dancer roller at a substantially constant position. Transient changes in web tension are compensated for by sensing dancer roller displacement and generating a signal proportional thereto. The signal is processed by taking the derivative thereto and combining the proportional and derivative signals. The combined signal is then utilized to vary the brake torque.

Abstract: The LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) control includes a gas analyzer normally connected to receive sample gas from the evaporation enclosure of a press dryer section and which, during calibration, is sequentially connected to first analyze solvent free gas and then gas having a known solvent content. Situated with the analyzer is a detector the resistance of which changes in proportion to the temperature within the flame cell of the analyzer. The detector forms a portion of a bridge circuit, which also includes a potentiometer. The output of the bridge is amplified, compared to a selected reference voltage and a signal representing the difference therebetween is processed. The processed signal is combined with a signal representing the web speed to form a resultant signal to control a pneumatically operated damper in the enclosure exhaust conduit. Automatic calibration of the system is initiated periodically and takes place in two phases.