Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of liver metastases in a subject. The methods include hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CAR-T) which are highly specific for tumor antigens such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The HAI method is optimized to maximize exposure of the modified cells to the metastatic cells while minimizing exposure to healthy cells. The methods include co-administration of a second therapeutic agent, such as IL-2.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) automatic vehicle identification (AVI) system configured to mitigate signal interference, the system comprising a plurality of RFID readers, comprising a first RFID reader and a second RFID reader; and a plurality of antennas, wherein a first antenna is connected to the first RFID reader and a second antenna is connected to the second RFID reader. Prior to the first RFID reader transmitting a signal through the first antenna, the first RFID reader samples a received radio frequency (RF) signal from the first antenna, and if the received RF signal meets predetermined strength and frequency criteria, the first RFID reader inhibits transmission of the signal through the first antenna.

Abstract: A tonneau cover securing apparatus for removably securing a cover to a support frame attached to a pickup truck. The support frame preferably includes two opposing side rails that can be secured to respective sidewalls of the pickup truck, such that the cover can be secured to the side rails and the pickup truck by the securing apparatus, which preferably includes a channel, a locking member and a draw cord secured to the locking member. The locking member is biased toward a first position in which the securing apparatus can be prevented from disengaging from the respective side rail; wherein the draw cord can draw the locking member from the first position to a second position, in which the securing apparatus can be disengaged from the respective side rail. The securing apparatus preferably includes two locking members. Methods of securing a cover to a pickup truck are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit provides parallel computation of error codes for simultaneously received words. The words received simultaneously may be portions of a common data message, or may be portions of distinct data messages. Accordingly, the circuit selectively accumulates the error codes based on their association with successive data words, outputting an accumulated error code when the last word of a data message has been received and the respective error code is calculated. Based on such information, the error codes calculated in parallel can be output independently, accumulated with one another, or accumulated with the error codes of a previous or subsequent calculation cycle. Thus, the circuit dynamically provides a single parallel error code generation of a given width or multiple parallel error code generations, each of a width divisible by the given width.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to precast cantilevered retaining walls and methods of using and forming precast cantilevered retaining walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilevered concrete retaining wall having a base shear key and blockouts for receiving a material that substantially impedes the wing wall from sliding or other inadvertent movement, to a method of retaining a soil embankment with a cantilevered concrete retaining wall, and to a method of manufacturing a precast concrete cantilevered retaining wall.

Abstract: An aerial refueling system utilizes the full drogue-probe coupling event as a control parameter for hose control. A variety of different types of signal sending and signal receiving devices may be used to indicate a coupling event between the drogue and probe. A positive coupling signal may serve to trigger a hose reel actuator to take up slack in the hose 16.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: An article of footwear for snowboarding includes a tongue with adjustable stiffness. The tongue includes a flexible intermediate portion and the flexibility of the intermediate portion can be controlled by a tension control system. As the tension control system applies increased tension to the tongue, the flexibility of the intermediate portion is decreased, which increases the overall stiffness of the tongue.

Abstract: A device and system for automatic handling of a sensor strip by a part of a meter that includes a sensor strip having a first section, a second section, and an intermediate section. The sensor strip includes at least a first opening about a first end thereof and a second opening about a second end thereof. A meter part includes a pair of pivoting catches configured to engage and grasp a sensor strip from a container containing a plurality of sensor strips. The sensor strip may thus be removed from a container for testing without need for manual handling of the strip by a user.

Abstract: An applicator cup for user with a motorized handle for applying cosmetics. The applicator cup includes an applicator configured to apply a liquid or powder substance (e.g., such as cosmetics, makeup, lotion, sunblock, sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, cream, or any other appropriate substance) to a user's body. The applicator cup may be configured to enable a user to selectively attach the applicator cup to the motorized handle substantially without touching the applicator. The applicator cup is adapted to enable a user to use the applicator cup in combination with a handle, such as a motorized handle, to apply the liquid or powder substances to the user's body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed which detects that new source code linked to a defect identifier has been checked in to a source code repository for a given code branch of a software application. The new source code is automatically checked in to additional code branches of the software application based on the defect identifier. For each additional code branch into which the new source code is automatically checked in, code coverage metrics are determined which indicate an extent to which application source code of the code branch is tested by its corresponding test case source code before and after the automatic check in. If a difference between the code coverage metrics indicates that code coverage for the code branch has decreased by more than a predefined threshold, a notification is transmitted that indicates a test case deficiency for the code branch.

Abstract: A blood glucose monitor includes a can, a replaceable sensor cartridge that includes a frame, an upper spring disposed between the frame and the can, a case for housing the can and sealing the frame, a lower spring disposed between the can and the case, and a meter housing for sealing an upper portion of the frame. The can is capable of accepting the replaceable sensor cartridge. The frame of the removable cartridge has at least at least two walls defining a chamber for accepting a plurality of biosensors, and a bottom portion defining an opening and at least one sealing flange. The frame can further include a desiccant material capable of reducing humidity within the frame. The frame may be dimensioned such that an interference fit constrains the plurality of biosensors prior to inserting the frame within a blood glucose monitor.

Abstract: Methods of operating a ferroelectric memory cell. The method comprises applying one of a positive bias voltage and a negative bias voltage to a ferroelectric memory cell comprising a capacitor including a top electrode, a bottom electrode, a ferroelectric material between the top electrode and the bottom electrode, and an interfacial material between the ferroelectric material and one of the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The method further comprises applying another of the positive bias voltage and the negative bias voltage to the ferroelectric memory cell to switch a polarization of the ferroelectric memory cell, wherein an absolute value of the negative bias voltage is different from an absolute value of the positive bias voltage. Ferroelectric memory cells are also described.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object.

Abstract: Vibration dampeners (DTM's) designed to surround a device in which unwanted vibrations (including shocks) are set up during use or a component of the device. The DTM significantly shortens the duration of those vibrations, reducing sound levels, making the device more comfortable to use in wielded instrument applications of the invention, and/or significantly reducing the possibility that the vibrations might damage the device. A representative, but significant, use of the subject DTM's is to dampen the vibrations generated when an arrow (or bolt) is shot from a crossbow.

Abstract: A combined collector and distributor for a distillation column that includes a collector portion connected to a distributor portion. The distributor portion includes a channel-like distributor to distribute liquid into an underlying packing. The collector portion has spaced rows of collection elements that cover the open spaces and distribution elements of the distributor portion and one or more rectangular sumps into which descending liquid drains from the collection elements. The liquid in turn drains from the rectangular sump or sumps into a pre-distribution box located within a header of the distributor portion. The collection elements that cover the open spaces are set at higher positions than the collection elements covering the distribution elements to form chimneys to allow the ascending vapor to escape from the collector portion.

Abstract: An orally administered fatty acid composition for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and a method of treating same, are provided. The compound includes 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosapentaenoic ethanolamide (EPA ethanolamide), 4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic ethanolamide (DHA ethanolamide), and at least one tocotrienol. The EPA ethanolamide and the DHA ethanolamide are preferably each substantially in a range of 100-900 mg per dosage form. The at least one tocotrienol is substantially in a range of 10-500 mg per dosage form. The at least one tocotrienol includes at least one of ?-tocotrienol, ?-tocotrienol, ?-tocotrienol, or ?-tocotrienol and is preferably substantially tocopherol-free. The composition may take the form of a medical food or a pharmaceutical preparation. A preferred formulation of the composition includes approximately 525 mg EPA ethanolamide, approximately 315 mg DHA ethanolamide, and approximately 50 mg ?-tocotrienol.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking various compartments. In one embodiment, the vehicle security system which is capable of at least one user input device configured to generate one or more input signals. Further, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock control body positioned within a compartment of a vehicle. The lock control body is in communication with the user input device. The lock control body includes at least one lock shaft configured to be selectively extendable from and retracted to the housing of the lock control body in response to the input signal from the user input device. In addition, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock shaft receiver positioned on a door of the compartment proximate to the lock control body and configured to receive the lock shaft therein.