Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for interleaving data utilizing a random access buffer that includes a plurality of independently accessible memory slots. The random access buffer is configured to store slices of incoming data sectors in free memory slots, where a free memory slot is identified by a status flag associated with a logical address of the free memory slot. Meanwhile, a label buffer is configured to store labels associated with the slices of the incoming data sectors in a sequence based upon an interleaving scheme. Media sectors including the interleaved data slices are read out from the memory slots of the random access buffer in order of the sequence of labels stored by the label buffer. As the media sectors are read out of the random access buffer, the corresponding memory slots are freed up for incoming slices of the next super-sector.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus comprises: an LED-based light source; a spherical, spheroidal, or toroidal diffuser generating a Lambertian light intensity distribution output at any point on the diffuser surface responsive to illumination inside the diffuser; and a base including a base connector. The LED based light source, the diffuser, and the base are secured together as a unitary LED lamp installable in a lighting socket by connecting the base connector with the lighting socket. The diffuser is shaped and arranged respective to the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to conform with an isolux surface of the LED based light source. The base is operatively connected with the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to electrically power the LED based light source using electrical power received at the base connector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic gent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: A blister strip advance mechanism includes: an indexing gear train; drive mechanism configured to drive the indexing gear train; and a hub including a recess shaped to engage a first blister of a blister strip, the hub being rotatable by the indexing gear train to engage the first blister in the recess and move the engaged blister strip such that a second blister is moved to a dosing position at which the second blister can be emptied; wherein the indexing gear train is configured to temporarily disengage the drive mechanism from the hub when the second blister is in the dosing position. Also disclosed is a dosing mechanism including the blister strip advance mechanism; an inhaler including the dosing mechanism; a method for advancing a blister strip; and a method for dosing a medicament including the method for advancing a blister strip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for variable contribution multiple progressive jackpot games are disclosed. A variable contribution rate is determined as a function of a wager level. A contribution amount is determined by multiplying each wager by its corresponding contribution rate. The contribution amount is then added to at least two jackpot meters.

Abstract: A storage and management assembly for a plurality of portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a tower assembly to define a vertical channel along a first side of the tower assembly. A plurality of shelves are removably coupled to a second side of the tower assembly, each of the shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottom portion provided perpendicular to the first member, and opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, the plurality of shelves provided in a stacked vertical arrangement along the tower assembly. A locking assembly having a top wall and sidewalls attached to the shelves, with a pivotable door to prevent removal of electronic devices but permit visual confirmation of shelf contents.

Abstract: New or improved lead acid batteries with vapor pressure barriers and/or improved battery separators, as well as systems, vehicles, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof are disclosed herein. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides new or improved lead acid batteries with a vapor pressure barrier. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides new or improved lead acid battery vapor pressure barriers along with new or improved battery separators, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides a new or improved lead acid battery with a vapor pressure barrier that reduces the water loss from the battery. In at least select embodiments, a method of reducing the water loss of a lead acid battery may include providing a vapor pressure barrier, such as a layer of oil, inside the lead acid battery along with an improved battery separator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic gent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: A storage and management assembly for a plurality of portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a tower assembly to define a vertical channel along a first side of the tower assembly. A plurality of shelves are removably coupled to a second side of the tower assembly, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, each of the shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottom portion provided perpendicular to the first member, and opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, the plurality of shelves provided in a stacked vertical arrangement along the tower assembly.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card in-feed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area, and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus comprises: an LED-based light source; a spherical, spheroidal, or toroidal diffuser generating a Lambertian light intensity distribution output at any point on the diffuser surface responsive to illumination inside the diffuser; and a base including a base connector. The LED based light source, the diffuser, and the base are secured together as a unitary LED lamp installable in a lighting socket by connecting the base connector with the lighting socket. The diffuser is shaped and arranged respective to the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to conform with an isolux surface of the LED based light source. The base is operatively connected with the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to electrically power the LED based light source using electrical power received at the base connector.

Abstract: An improved flavoring composition and process for brewing malt beverages is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the flavoring composition is formed from a high solids percent, room temperature stable, partially aqueous composition of a potassium salt of iso-?-acids. Such composition may be added to the wort kettle or else used as a post-fermentation additive, preferably after dilution with demineralized water. In another embodiment, the flavoring composition comprises a mixture containing reduced (rho-) iso-?-acids in alkali metal salts form, ?-acids and hop oil. This latter composition is useful as a substitute for normal kettle extract, hops or hop pellets, allowing easy preparation of beer that resists formation of unpleasant, “skunky” flavors but has otherwise similar flavor and physical properties.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising: a wellbore treatment fluid; a set modifier; and, a polymeric component that inhibits release of the set modifier; wherein exposure to ionizing radiation causes degradation of the polymeric component resulting in release of the set modifier and an increase in the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method of commissioning an electronic building system controller includes presenting a static visual code to a camera of the electronic building system controller. The electronic building system controller extracts information from the static visual code and reconfigures internal programming responsive to extracting the information.

Abstract: A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for interleaving data utilizing a random access buffer that includes a plurality of independently accessible memory slots. The random access buffer is configured to store slices of incoming data sectors in free memory slots, where a free memory slot is identified by a status flag associated with a logical address of the free memory slot. Meanwhile, a label buffer is configured to store labels associated with the slices of the incoming data sectors in a sequence based upon an interleaving scheme. Media sectors including the interleaved data slices are read out from the memory slots of the random access buffer in order of the sequence of labels stored by the label buffer. As the media sectors are read out of the random access buffer, the corresponding memory slots are freed up for incoming slices of the next super-sector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for variable contribution multiple progressive jackpot games are disclosed. A variable contribution rate is determined as a function of a wager level. A contribution amount is determined by multiplying each wager by its corresponding contribution rate. The contribution amount is then added to at least two jackpot meters.

Abstract: A blood pressure sleeve includes a first sheet having a top side and a bottom side and a second sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. The second sheet is attached to the first sheet and defines an inflatable portion, the first and second sheets each having a fluid impermeable surface. The inflatable portion includes an opening sized for receiving a port that interconnects the exterior of the sleeve with the interior of the inflatable portion and in which the first sheet includes a slotted portion opposite the port and aligned therewith to receive the port when the sleeve is wrapped about the limb of a patient, and in which at least a portion of the wrapped cuff is treated to reduce frictional effects.

Abstract: A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing or repairing a chemically-resistant coating such as a porcelain enamel on a metal substrate. One such method involves forming a softened ground coat on the substrate by heating to or maintaining an elevated temperature, followed by flame-spray depositing a coating material onto the softened ground coat. Then, the substrate is allowed to cool slowly so the chemically-resistant coating can form with less stress. Optionally, an induction coil is used to heat the substrate, both to form the softened ground coat and to slow the cooling of the substrate. Such methods allow for easier and faster repairs, and even in situ repairs of articles such as chemical reactor vessels, covers, baffles, thermowells, agitators, agitator shafts, pipes, heat exchangers, and storage tanks. Articles having a chemically-resistant coating also form a part of the invention.