Abstract: Cell phones and other portable devices are equipped with a variety of technologies by which existing functionality can be improved, and new functionality can be provided. Some relate to visual search capabilities, and determining appropriate actions responsive to different image inputs. Others relate to processing of image data. Still others concern metadata generation, processing, and representation. Yet others relate to coping with fixed focus limitations of cell phone cameras, e.g., in reading digital watermark data. Still others concern user interface improvements. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining timing points indicative of the passage of a blade in a turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of: providing a s first sensing coil proximate to a path of the blade, providing a second sensing coil proximate to the path of the blade, the second sensing coil spaced from the first sensing coil in a direction parallel to the path of the blade, and comparing a signal generated in the first sensing coil with a signal generated in the second sensing coil to derive a timing point indicative of the passage of the blade.

Abstract: A waste collection manifold assembly 10 has a housing 13 and a strainer 80. The housing 13 has at least one input port 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D for receiving waste collection products 1 through a vacuum line 4. The housing 13 includes an interior chamber 11 for receiving the waste collection products 1 and a fluid discharge port 14 for passing fluids 6 into a waste collection unit 2. The strainer 80 is located in the chamber 11 and above the fluid discharge port 14. The at least one inlet port 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is positioned to open alongside an interior chamber wall 13A of the housing 13 above the strainer 80 to direct the flow of the waste collection products 1 in a downward swirl along the interior chamber wall 13 A toward the strainer 80.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for size separation of proteins by capillary sieving electrophoresis with cationic surfactant, suitable for size separation of proteins with molecular weights in the range between about 14,000 and about 500,000, further a composition of a separation medium and denaturing solution for said method of separation method. In a preferred embodiment, the separation medium comprises a buffer having pH between about 3 and 5.5, a neutral hydrophilic sieving polymer, and between about 0.5 and about 30 g/L cationic surfactant.

Abstract: In a method for providing access to resources, a virtual world application executing on a first server transmits, to a client, data representative of at least one virtual world object. The virtual world application receives, from the client, a request to access a resource executed on a second server. The virtual world application requests access to the requested resource and, in response, receives output data generated by the resource. The virtual world application transmits, to the client, the received output data and data representative of a second virtual world object. In some aspects, the virtual world application receives a request to render, on a virtual world object, output data generated by a resource executed on the client. An agent intercepts the output data generated by the resource executed on the client. A virtual world client applies the intercepted output data as a texture to a virtual world object.

Abstract: A voltage source converter for use in high voltage DC power transmission and reactive power compensation. The voltage source converter comprises at least one converter limb including first and second DC terminals for connection in use to a DC network and an AC terminal for connection in use to an AC network. The or each converter limb defines first and second limb portions each limb portion including at least one switching element connected in series with a chain-link converter between a respective one of the first and second DC terminals and the AC terminal. The switching elements of the first and second limb portions is operable to switch the respective chain-link converters in and out of circuit between the respective DC terminal and the AC terminal. The chain-link converters are operable to generate a voltage waveform at the AC terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds which are useful as therapeutics, especially in anti-neoplastic therapy and in other therapeutic regimes where cysteine protease inhibition is implicated.

Abstract: An igniter (20) of a corona ignition system emits a non-thermal plasma in the form of a corona (30) to ionize and ignite a fuel mixture. The igniter (20) includes an electrode (32) and a ceramic insulator (22) surrounding the electrode (32). The insulator (22) surrounds a firing end (38) of the electrode (32) and blocks the electrode (32) from exposure to the combustion chamber (28). The insulator (22) presents a firing surface (56) exposed to the combustion chamber (28) and emitting the non-thermal plasma. A plurality of electrically conducting elements (24) are disposed in a matrix (26) of the ceramic material and along the firing surface (56) of the insulator (22), such as metal particles embedded in the ceramic material or holes in the ceramic material. The electrically conducting elements (24) reduce arc discharge during operation of the igniter (20) and thus improve the quality of ignition.

Abstract: An improved anchor for securing a reinforcement strip to a concrete structure.

Abstract: On-press development of an imaged printing plate on a plate cylinder, in which ink is applied by an ink form roll, a blanket roll is in contact with the plate, a rubber roll is opposed to the blanket roll, and printable media passes between the blanket roll and the rubber roll. The plate comprises a substrate carrying an imaged coating and nonimage areas. The respective cohesive and adhesive properties of the nonimage and image areas to the applied ink, substrate, blanket roll and printable medium, and the ink to the roll are such that the blanket roll pulls the ink from the plate and the ink pulls the nonimage areas from the substrate as undissolved particles that are transferred by the blanket with the ink to the printable media.

Abstract: A watercraft storage system, a ‘wishbone’ or U-shaped cradle, liftable and rotatable by an overhead crane, comprises adjustable air filled hull supports to either side of a boat hull and a keel support toward the stem of the watercraft. The cradle central opening clears a cantilever storage rack support beam assembly allowing the watercraft to be lowered onto or raised from the cantilever storage rack support beam assembly by an overhead traveling crane. To substantially reduce any longitudinal swaying of the cradle and watercraft during raising and lowering, a system of diagonal anti-sway bracing cables that automatically retract and extend is employed. In the preferred embodiment, the cradle is lowered into a water-filled channel within the storage structure to re-float the watercraft. A watercraft to be stored can be brought into the channel which contains alignment means to accurately position the watercraft over the cradle.

Abstract: A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed).

Abstract: The present application discloses novel substituted naphthyridine derivatives of Formula (I) and their use as modulators of the voltage gated Kv7 (KCNQ) potassium ion channels. In other aspects the application discloses the use of these compounds, in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.

Abstract: An environmental cell for a charged particle beam system allows relative motion between the cell mounted on an X-Y stage and the optical axis of the focusing column, thereby eliminating the need for a sub-stage within the cell. A flexible cell configuration, such as a retractable lid, permits a variety of processes, including beam-induced and thermally-induced processes. Photon yield spectroscopy performed in a charged particle beam system and using gas cascade amplification of the photoelectrons allows analysis of material in the cell and monitoring of processing in the cell. Luminescence analysis can be also performed using a retractable minor.

Abstract: A method in a data processing system is provided for processing a service request of a client partition. The method includes: obtaining by a service partition of the data processing system the service request from the client partition, wherein both the client and service partitions execute above a hypervisor of the data processing system; and processing the service request by the service partition utilizing a processor quantum assigned to the client partition and donated by the client partition to the service partition. The client partition controls scheduling of the service partition by queuing the service request at the client partition until the client partition decides to proceed with execution of the service request by the service partition. In one implementation, the service partition is a partition adjunct of the data processing system, which utilizes donated virtual address space of the client partition.

Abstract: An automated incremental solution deployment strategy created for an enterprise organization based upon evaluation of a set of possible information technology solution alternatives within an automated architectural framework is received. An information technology solution is incrementally deployed and incrementally selected from the set of possible information technology solution alternatives during the incremental deployment using the automated incremental solution deployment strategy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece having a user input feature and a user feedback feature. A shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes an active feature responsive to actuation of the user input feature. The active feature is operable to operate on tissue in response to actuation of the user input feature. The user feedback feature is operable to provide feedback to the user that indicates information relating to operation of the end effector. The feedback may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback.

Abstract: A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and m are as described in the specification for use in the treatment of obesity and/or diabetes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image contrast enhancement are disclosed. A tone reproduction curve function is generated for a plurality of pixel values, each including a brightness value, based on a contrast adjustment value, the brightness value of each of the pixels and a power-law function, the tone reproduction curve taking the form of an S-shaped curve. The S-shaped curve includes a bulging curve portion corresponding to an area wherein a brightness of pixels having values representative of relative brightness is increased, a sagging curve portion corresponding to an area wherein a brightness of pixels having values representative of relative darkness is decreased, and an inflection point serving as a demarcation between the bulging area and the sagging area of the tone reproduction curve. The exponent of the power-law function is generated as a quadratic polynomial function f(x) in a range 0?f(x)?1, wherein x is defined as a curvature factor.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for dynamic battery management in implantable medical devices. An embodiment of the system includes two or more devices for measuring battery capacity for an implantable medical device battery. The embodiment also includes a controller connected to the measuring devices. The controller is adapted to combine the measurements from the measuring devices using a weighted average to determine battery capacity consumed. According to various embodiments, at least one of the measuring devices includes a coulometer. At least one of the measuring devices includes a capacity-by-voltage device, according to an embodiment. The system further includes a display in communication with the controller in various embodiments. The display is adapted to provide a depiction of battery longevity in units of time remaining in the life of the implantable medical device battery, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.