Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel of a number of channels, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. The terrestrial service channel is accessed, but not at a time of access processed by the media processing device for presentation. An unavailability is determined of the satellite service channel to the media processor, and subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of the unavailability of the satellite service channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing. Systems and methods according to present principles allow for such steps to occur without significant loss of spring force, and without deleterious effects such as seal slingshotting.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting composition includes one or more of a plurality of carriers, each having a carrier body and an organic corrosion inhibitor, such that the carrier body encapsulates the organic corrosion inhibitor, and the carrier body is formed of a degradable material. Coatings and methods for inhibiting corrosion on a metal substrate are also described herein.

Abstract: A tree hydrating device for providing water to a live or cut tree. The tree hydrating device includes a pouch having an interior volume that can receive and store fluid. The lower end of the pouch includes an opening for connection to a flexible, elongated tube. A second end of the elongated tube is removably securable to a tap. The tap includes a stem for engaging the elongated tube and a threaded exterior so that it can be inserted into the trunk of a tree and securely positioned therein. Once the tap is inserted, a user can connect the second end of the tube to the tap so that fluid is provided from the pouch, through the elongated tube, and into the tree under the force of gravity. In this way, the tree is provided with constant hydration.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command included in a first communication from an application executing on a processor in a display device. The method further includes transmitting a signal to a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device, where the particular module is selected based on the media selection command, and where each of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The method further includes sending a second communication to the application. The second communication includes a particular media content item received via the particular module.

Abstract: A method includes displaying information associated with a first application on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device. A gesture is detected on the touch-sensitive display, which gesture indicates a request to display information associated with a second application. At least part of the information associated with the second application is displayed without opening the second application.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a reference position associated with a variable geometry member. One exemplary method involves actuating the variable geometry member in a first direction with a first reference torque and obtaining a first position associated with the variable geometry member in response to the first reference torque. After actuating the variable geometry member with the first reference torque, the method continues by actuating the variable geometry member in the first direction with a second reference torque that is less than the first reference torque, obtaining a second position associated with the variable geometry member in response to the second reference torque, and identifying the second position as the hard-stop reference position when a difference between the first position and the second position is less than a fault threshold.

Abstract: A showerhead including a diverter assembly, a pivoting sprayface supported by a housing and having a plurality of spray openings, the plurality of spray openings including a first set of spray openings defining a first spray pattern and a second set of spray openings defining a second spray pattern, a first waterway fluidly connecting the diverter to the first set of spray openings of the sprayface, a second waterway fluidly connecting the diverter to the second set of spray openings of the sprayface, an audio device releasably coupled to the housing, wherein the diverter is configured to switch between the first and the second spray patterns by directing fluid to one of the first waterway and the second waterway.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electronic device may include a power source configured to provide operational power to the electronic device and a processor coupled to the power source. The processor may be configured to generate temperature predictions using a model of a structure and possible control scenarios, determine a value of the temperature predictions and the respective possible control scenarios using a cost function, the cost function comprising weighted factors related to an error between a setpoint temperature and the temperature predictions, a length of runtime for an environmental control system (e.g., an HVAC system), and a length of environmental control system cycles. The processor may also be configured to select the control scenario with the highest value to apply to control the environmental control system. The control scenarios may be generated using upper confidence bound for trees (UCT).

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electronic device may include a processor that may iteratively simulate candidate control trajectories using upper confidence bound for trees (UCT) to control an environmental control system (e.g., an HVAC system). Each candidate control trajectory may be simulated by selecting a control action at each of a plurality of time steps over a period of time that has the highest upper bound on possible performance using values from previous simulations and predicting a temperature for a next time step of the plurality of time steps that results from applying the selected control action using a thermal model. The processor may determine a value of each candidate control trajectory using a cost function, update the value of each control action selected in each candidate control trajectory, and select a candidate control trajectory with the highest value using UCT to apply to control the environmental control system.

Abstract: Methods and credential systems for use in controlling access to a computer system are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a request for a temporary single-factor credential associated with a user account, modifying the user account to allow single-factor authentication to permit access to the computer system, issuing the temporary single-factor credential, wherein the password includes a lifetime, disabling the temporary single-factor credential, when the lifetime ends, such that access to the computer system via the temporary single-factor credential is terminated, and modifying the user account associated to require multi-factor authentication for access to the computer system.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a distributor plate secured to and parallel to a circuit board. The circuit board has a module secured thereto and the distributor plate defines an area on an inner surface thereof secured to or otherwise in thermal contact with the module. Heat pipes embedded in the distributor plate include a portion over the module and a portion over the circuit board outward from the module. A portion of the heat pipes outward from the module may be substantially perpendicular to a direction of airflow between the circuit board and distributor plate. The module may be located closer to one edge of the circuit board and the heat pipes may according extend from adjacent that edge to an opposite edge of the circuit board. An inward facing surface may include fins extending toward the circuit board and the fins may be contoured to the circuit board.

Abstract: A body spray configured to be supported within a shower wall. The body spray includes an outer housing and an inner waterway supporting a sprayhead for axial movement relative to the outer housing. Water pressure against the inner waterway causes the sprayhead to move axially outwardly from a refracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A system for booking a live performance by a performer using the Internet comprising the steps of: providing a booking link on the promotional website of the performer, and wherein the booking link is connected to a booking website; booking hyperlink directs a performance seeker to a webpage displaying information relating to a performer profile on the booking website, wherein performer profile includes information pertaining to performer details; the performance seeker logins into booking website using a performance seeker profile, and wherein the performance seeker profile has been verified by the website as having available funding to make offers to performer, offer is made by performance seeker to performer on a confidential chat forum on booking website, and wherein the performer and performance seeker may view each other's respective profile; performance seeker and performer agree to an electronic contract for a live performance by a performer; and performance seeker or performer records comments about

Abstract: A showerhead including a fluid connector configured to be threadedly coupled to a shower arm, and an outer shell receiving the fluid connector. A rotational stop or drive member is operably coupled between the fluid connector and the outer shell and is configured to limit relative rotation between the fluid connector and the outer shell.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a shower/tub system is provided. The assembly includes a valve body assembly having a molded base, a first inlet connection fitting configured to fluidly attach a first fluid source to the molded base, a second inlet connection fitting configured to fluidly attach a second fluid source to the molded base, a first outlet connection fitting configured to fluidly attach a shower fixture to the molded base, and a second outlet connection fitting configured to fluidly attach a tub nozzle to the molded base.

Abstract: An adjustable output power supply with a data communications connector that at least partially complies with physical specifications of a defined data interface standard connector, such as a USB connector. The data communications connector has a number of data contacts and power contacts coupled to and providing output electrical power from a programmable power supply. A controller receives an indication of a detection of a feature of a mating connector coupled to the data communications connector, determines, based on receiving the detection, at least one resistance value between a data contact and at least one power contact, and adjusts an output voltage of the programmable power supply based on the at least one resistance value.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.