Abstract: Various devices for mounting circuit devices and methods of making the same are provided. In aspect, a device is provided that includes a member for holding an integrated circuit. The member contains a first plurality of carbon nanotubes to enhance the thermal conductivity thereof. At least one conductor member projects from the member. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an interface for an electronic component is provided that includes forming a member containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes and forming at least one conductor on the member.

Abstract: A ventilation system for regulating atmospheric communication between a first space and a second space includes an airflow regulation device and a control system. The airflow regulation device is disposed in fluid communication with the first and second spaces. The airflow regulation device includes a regulator for regulating airflow and an adjustment system connected to the regulator for adjusting the regulator. The control system includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a microcontroller. The first sensor is in fluid communication with the first space to measure a first atmospheric condition. The second sensor is disposed in fluid communication with the second space to measure a second atmospheric condition. The microcontroller is in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor for comparing the atmospheric conditions. The microcontroller is in communication with the adjustment system for adjusting the regulator in response to differences between atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for maintaining a first pressure of a first portion of a building below a second pressure of a second portion of the building to prevent moisture from migrating from the first portion to the second portion. The system may include a pressure measuring system, an exhaust air mover, and a microcontroller. The pressure measuring system, e.g., a differential pressure sensor, may be selectively operable to calculate a pressure difference value between the second pressure and the first pressure. The exhaust air mover, e.g., a fan assembly, may be adjustable for selectively varying exhaust of air from the first portion to an exterior of the building. The microcontroller may be in communication with the pressure measuring system and the exhaust air mover to instruct the exhaust air mover to increase or decrease the exhaust of air to maintain the pressure difference at a positive setpoint.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hiding codes in input data. In one embodiment, a method is provided including: obtaining input data associated with image or visual information; selecting portions of the input data to hide a plural-bit code based at least in part on predetermined data; and modifying selected portions of the input data to hide the plural-bit code at least in part on changing one or more values of the input data at or around the selected portions. Other embodiments are described and claimed as well.

Abstract: A method for introducing and expressing genes in animal cells is disclosed comprising infecting the animal cells with live invasive bacteria, wherein the bacteria contain a eukaryotic expression cassette encoding the gene. The gene may encode, e.g., a vaccine antigen, a therapeutic agent, an immunoregulatory agent or an anti-sense RNA or a catalytic RNA.

Abstract: A digital image is processed to hide information, by generally inconspicuous adjustments thereof. These adjustments can define a pattern that extends across some or all of the image. Desirably, the pattern is adapted to the particular image being encoded, so as to better conceal the encoding.

Abstract: Systems and methods of event triggered advertising where at least one embodiment includes an event monitoring module, an advertising database, and an advertising vehicle. The event monitoring module identifies and characterizes events based on a plurality of content variables. The advertising database stores a plurality of advertisements with particular content variables. The event monitoring module then determines if a particular event's content variable settings sufficiently match the content variables of an advertisement stored in the advertising database. If the event monitoring module determines there is a sufficient match, the corresponding advertisement is broadcast via the advertising vehicle. Each of the processes may be performed manually or automatically depending on available resources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for message media content synchronization. One embodiment relates to a system that includes an advertising database, a synchronization module, and an advertising vehicle. The advertising database stores a plurality of advertisements and receives new advertisements. The synchronization module receives synchronization information and schedules advertisements from the advertising database according to the synchronization information. The synchronization information includes information related to how particular advertisements interact with one another simultaneously over various forms of media. The synchronization module then broadcasts advertisements from the advertising database according to the schedule via the advertising vehicle. Each of the processes may be performed manually or automatically depending on available resources.

Abstract: A vending machine includes an adjustable channel assembly for varying the depth of a product stack area within the vending machine. Preferably two adjustable channel assemblies are mounted to a column wall to support a rear spacer wall that defines a back portion of the stack area. The rear spacer wall is selectively movable fore-to-aft in order to permit the stack area to be customized in order to accommodate various sized bottles and cans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing advertising in response to customer data. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of acquiring data about the advertising preferences of particular groups of customers. For example, this data may include analyzing the shopping response of all married female shoppers over 40 years of age after a particular advertisement is played; this shopping response could then be compared with the shopping response of a similar group after a different advertisement is played. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to optimizing advertising variable settings with respect to acquired advertising data in an effort to identify optimized advertising variable settings for identifiable groups of customers. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of generating an advertisement with optimized advertisement variable settings for an advertising target group.

Abstract: The writing motion of a hand, pen or stylus is reported via a digital communications link, such reporting taking the form of packets of digital data, such packets containing position information, such packets also containing real-time information. Apparatus is described for recording the movement of a stylus during handwriting, for example in the execution of a handwritten signature. The apparatus comprises digitizer means, capable of sensing the position of a stylus, and defining an active signing area. A control circuit is capable of sampling at least orthogonal X and Y coordinates, in the plane of the active signing area, of a stylus in proximity to the digitizer means, and of then transmitting information regarding said coordinates together with real-time information via a digital communications link. The real-time information is represented either as a sequential number or in absolute form as clock-time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plugging cells of honeycomb structures are disclosed. A first method covers the honeycomb structure's end face with a mask having a body and plurality of sized openings positioned to oppose certain cell channels, wherein the outer edge of the body extends radially outwardly from the end face. A film also extends outwardly of the end face, and a plug of material is provided upon the film. The mask and film material are sealed to one another, and a force is applied to the film forcing the material through the mask and into the cells. Also disclosed is adhering a mask to a first end face of the honeycomb structure such that the mask has an outer portion that extends radially beyond an outer edge of the honeycomb; providing a volume of plugging material; clamping the outer portion between a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion; and transferring the plugging material into the honeycomb.

Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials include coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band having a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer. Flavoring agent(s) are included in one or more of the wrapping material itself, a seam adhesive, and/or bands included on the wrapping material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing advertising in response to customer data. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of acquiring data about the advertising preferences of particular groups of customers. For example, this data may include analyzing the shopping response of all married female shoppers over 40 years of age after a particular advertisement is played; this shopping response could then be compared with the shopping response of a similar group after a different advertisement is played. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to optimizing advertising variable settings with respect to acquired advertising data in an effort to identify optimized advertising variable settings for identifiable groups of customers. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of generating an advertisement with optimized advertisement variable settings for an advertising target group.

Abstract: Various probe systems and probes are provided. In one aspect, a probe is provided that includes a base and a first member coupled to the base. The first member has a first tip for probing a circuit device. A first actuator is coupled to the first member for moving the first member relative to the base. Electrical and/or topographical probing is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of a hydrocarbon production well. The apparatus includes a supply means for providing an electric power supply. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrically operated actuating devices. The actuating devices can be a plurality of electric motors. The apparatus includes drivers responsive to the power supply for providing a drive signal for the actuating devices. The apparatus also includes a control assembly for applying the drive signal to the actuating devices in a multiplexed manner. The power from each driver creates a power input signal. When there are more than one input signals, they are multiplexed so that a single signal is received by the actuating devices.

Abstract: Various devices for mounting circuit devices and methods of making the same are provided. In aspect, a device is provided that includes a member for holding an integrated circuit. The member contains a first plurality of carbon nanotubes to enhance the thermal conductivity thereof. At least one conductor member projects from the member. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an interface for an electronic component is provided that includes forming a member containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes and forming at least one conductor on the member.

Abstract: A fabric vehicle roof is made up of a panel of translucent material. Indicia is printed onto one or both sides of the fabric, with the indicia comprised of non-opaque dyes. The roof is further coated with a water resistant coating and, alternatively, ultraviolet light protectants and other additives.

Abstract: Direct-print sublimation ink transfer substrates are described as well as related methods and apparatus that employ and/or generate direct-print ink substrates for sublimation.