Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating with media modules associated with a computing device are provided. In this regard, a representative method, among others, includes receiving an input to execute at least one media module and determining a power state of a computing device. The computing device generally has multiple power states. The method further includes launching the at least one media module based on the power state of the computing device responsive to determining the power state of the computing device. The media module is configured to be launched from any one of the multiple power states of the computing device.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port to dispense fluid from a plurality of fluid supply containers. The system additionally includes a plurality of valves connected to the manifold for controlling the flow of fluid from the containers. The manifold and valves are configured such that all fluid flow connections are disposed within the manifold, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the amount of piping required external to the manifold. So configured, the valves include simple cartridge-type devices that are easily installed into and removed from the manifold.

Abstract: Increasing signal to noise ratio in optical spectra obtained by spectrophotometers. An interferometer introduces interference effects into a source light beam. A dual beam configuration splits the source beam having the interference effects into a reference beam and a sample beam. The reference beam interacts with a reference substance and is detected by a reference detector. The sample beam interacts with a sample substance and is detected by a sample detector. An optical spectra of the sample is based on the difference between the detected reference beam and the detected sample beam.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises determining which of a plurality of media sources has a higher quality than at least one other media source and selecting the media source having the higher quality.

Abstract: Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flow control device, such as a regulator, for controlling fluid flow between an inlet port and an outlet port, and having an internal adjustment mechanism for varying the outlet pressure of the device, including the pressure required to close the device. The device may include first and second components, such as a body and a bonnet, demountably attached to form a housing of the device and defining an internal device cavity. A piston is disposed and movable within the device cavity, and in fluid sealing relationship with the inner surface of the device cavity. The components and the piston are configured to define a channel within the device cavity placing the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port, and with the piston being movable between a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow to the outlet port.

Abstract: Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A focused droplet nebulizer of the invention produces substantially uniform droplets of a predetermined size. Droplets are pushed out through a small outlet orifice by the contraction of a chamber. The droplets can be carried on a substantially non-divergent path in a drift tube. A piezo membrane micro pump acts in response to an electrical control signal to force a droplet out of the outlet orifice. The nebulizer can operate at frequencies permitting a stream of individual droplets of the predetermined size to be sent along the substantially non-divergent path in the drift tube in a preferred embodiment ELSD device.

Abstract: A high-pressure regulator includes body having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet. A piston is disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the pressure inlet and the pressure outlet. The piston is configured to operate in compression to contact a seat ring for the purpose of controlling the flow of fluid from the pressure inlet to the pressure outlet in response to a pressure applied to a surface of the piston via the pressure outlet. A piston seat circumferentially engages the piston to provide an improved seal at low temperatures.

Abstract: A user access control system, comprising an electronic device comprising an electronic device comprising a reduced function operating system configured to enable access to at least one type of media content and a content control module executable by the reduced function operating system, the content control module configured to authenticate an identity of a user and control access to the at least one type of media content based on the identity of the user.

Abstract: A control element of a bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with an outlet pressure and an inlet pressure when the valve is closed such that a sum of the forces applied to the control element result in a net force urging the control element to seat against a valve seat. The valve includes a valve body carrying the valve seat. The control element is balanced on an outlet side of the valve seat such that the outlet pressure applies approximately no net force to the control element. In contrast, the control element is unbalanced on an inlet side of the valve seat such that inlet pressure applies a net force on the control element to bias the control to seat against the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly is formed of dual phase steel for interconnecting two rail cars and supporting the weight of a vehicle moving between the rail cars. The bridge plate assembly includes a bridge plate with a substantially continuous top surface having a pair of troughs. The bottom surface of the bridge plate assembly has a box formation provided by a bottom panel spanning an area between the pair of troughs.

Abstract: An operating environment configuration system comprises a first operating system of a computer device having at least one configuration setting associated therewith, and a second operating system of the computer device configured to automatically retrieve the at least one configuration setting and configure at least one component associated with the second operating system with the at least one configuration setting.

Abstract: An operating environment configuration system comprises a first operating system of a computer device having at least one configuration setting associated therewith, and a second operating system of the computer device configured to automatically retrieve the at least one configuration setting and configure at least one component associated with the second operating system with the at least one configuration setting.

Abstract: Described is a luffah having of a series of ruffles wherein a substantially dry, water-soluble, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is present on the ruffles at a center portion of the luffah. Enough cleaning agent or moisturizer is present to allow the luffah to be used at least once. A method of forming a luffah herein includes injecting a substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent at, or near, a core of a luffah which is then compressed around the injected cleansing and/or moisturizing agent. The substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is then allowed to dry into a generally dry, water-soluble, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent at the core of the luffah.

Abstract: Described is a disposable luffah. During manufacturing of the luffah, a water-soluble pouch is positioned within, or attached to, the luffah. The water-soluble pouch may contain a liquid or powered cleansing and/or moisturizing agent. During use the pouch breaks down upon contact with water such that the contained cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is released.

Abstract: A karaoke system, comprising a plurality of electronic devices each configured to output karaoke content, at least one of the plurality of electronic devices configured to calculate a group karaoke score corresponding to respective users of the plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A system comprises a display and logic coupled to the display. The logic causes a source pane and a preview pane to be shown on the display. The source pane identifies sources of media content to be viewed in the preview pane. The preview pane plays for a user a selected media content while the source pane is still viewable.

Abstract: An electronic device, comprising a media system module configured to output media content of a playlist, the media system module configured to identify a media file from the playlist and, if the identified media file lacks at least one of an audio component or a visual component, output another media file having the lacking component from the playlist concurrently with the identified media file.