Abstract: This disclosure relates to loudspeakers that use one or more stacks of electrically actuated cards that pump air through vents to produce sound waves in response to an acoustic signal. Each stack can include several electrostatic actuator cards that are stacked on top of each other and collectively operate to pump air through a vent to produce a sound wave. Each card may include an electrically conductive membrane that is pushed/pulled between two electrically conductive stators. As the membrane is pushed and pulled along a first axis, air is pumped through vents in a direction orthogonal to the first axis. In one embodiment, stacks of cards can be arranged in series to increase sound pressure generated by the loud speaker. In another embodiment, a single stack of cards can be driven with relatively high electric field strength to increase the sound pressure generated by the loud speaker.

Abstract: Adsorptive media for chromatography, particularly ion-exchange chromatography, derived from a shaped fiber. In certain embodiments, the functionalized shaped fiber presents a fibrillated or ridged structure which greatly increases the surface area of the fibers when compared to ordinary fibers. Also disclosed herein is a method to add surface pendant functional groups that provides cation-exchange or anion-exchange functionality to the high surface area fibers. This pendant functionality is useful for the ion-exchange chromatographic purification of biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tessellating patches of surfaces in a tile based three dimensional computer graphics rendering system. For each tile in an image a per tile list of primitive indices is derived for tessellated primitives which make up a patch. Hidden surface removal is then performed on the patch and any domain points which remain after hidden surface removal are derived. The primitives are then shaded for display.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating of disorders that are affected by the modulation of the CB1 receptor. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, L1, n, v, r, w, and g are defined herein. and further represented by Formula (II) wherein the group “X?Y”, ring A, R10, R11, R30, W, and t are defined herein.

Abstract: A resistance training apparatus provides an elastic member for use in exercise strength training and fitness conditioning. The resistance training apparatus beneficially provides a user with a more consistent and even resistance tension throughout an exercise movement. The resistance training apparatus also provides for a greater training effect on an engaged muscle or muscle group.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatuses for the continuous preparation of a cumene feed for a cumene oxidation process. More specifically, the subject matter relates to a process for passing a cumene alpha-methylstyrene stream through a caustic wash column having an integrated water wash section for the removal of organic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based coating and/or coating system used to form sag resistant wet layers or coatings on a wide range of substrates. The coating system is effective for protecting metal-containing substrates, such as intermodal cargo containers, against corrosion. As an overview, the present invention provides water-based compositions as primer coats on substrates, and methods for applying the same to substrates. The method includes steps of applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces of a substrate and drying the substrate by continuously forcing heated air onto the substrate as it moves through a drying chamber. Desirably, the primer incorporates a high level of one or more CAS agents for excellent sag resistance while drying in a broad range of relative humidity environments. Alternatively, modifications can be made to control temperature and humidity during spray application and drying as a way to increase sag resistance of the coating.

Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.

Abstract: Thin freestanding nitride veneers can be used for the fabrication of semiconductor devices. These veneers are typically less than 100 microns thick. The use of thin veneers also eliminates the need for subsequent wafer thinning for improved thermal performance and 3D packaging.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a modular replaceable slip joint intercostal are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, an intercostal apparatus for a vehicle comprises a body, where the body is greater in length than in width. In at least one embodiment, the intercostal apparatus further comprises at least one slip joint opening located proximate an end of the body to slidably receive a bushing and a fastener, where the bushing rigidly attaches to a top surface of a seat track by the fastener.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: Various embodiments contemplate systems and methods for performing automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language understanding (NLU) that enable high accuracy recognition and understanding of freely spoken utterances which may contain proper names and similar entities. The proper name entities may contain or be comprised wholly of words that are not present in the vocabularies of these systems as normally constituted. Recognition of the other words in the utterances in question, e.g. words that are not part of the proper name entities, may occur at regular, high recognition accuracy. Various embodiments provide as output not only accurately transcribed running text of the complete utterance, but also a symbolic representation of the meaning of the input, including appropriate symbolic representations of proper name entities, adequate to allow a computer system to respond appropriately to the spoken request without further analysis of the user's input.

Abstract: Methods and systems useful in determining relative position of moveable vehicle, for example including a GPS receiver, may include determining candidate integer ambiguities in groups, and performing tests to check usefulness of those candidate integer ambiguities.

Abstract: A frameless audio/video object (FAVO) that provides information to a user. In one embodiment, the FAVO is interactive, such as having hotspots for allowing a user to select more features or information. The information may be advertising. The user can select a desirable FAVO, such as a favorite celebrity.

Abstract: A leadless implantable medical device comprises a first electrode configured to deliver electrical pacing energy, a second electrode configured to sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity, and a third electrode configurable to both deliver electrical pacing energy and sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity. The first and third electrodes are used for delivering electrical pacing energy and the second and third electrodes are used to sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity. None of the first, second and third electrodes are incorporated into a lead.

Abstract: A composition, utility material, and method of making a utility material is disclosed. A composition having an improved setting time may include a plurality of microparticles mixed with a sodium silicate binder and an isocyanate setting agent, where the microparticle composition has a setting time of less than or equal to one hour. A utility material may be a wallboard that includes the composition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for restricting use of a network element outside an authorized location range are disclosed. In one aspect a method includes obtaining, for a network element of a passive optical network, an identifier and ranging information corresponding to a present location of the network element; identifying, from a database and based on the identifier of the network element, stored ranging information specifying a previous location of the network element; determining, based on a comparison of the ranging information with the stored ranging information, that the location of the network element has changed more than a specified amount; and outputting an alert in response to determining that the location of the network element has changed more than a specified amount.

Abstract: A testing fixture for a vehicle includes a tube and a piston slideably disposed in the tube. A seat belt D-ring is mounted t the piston. An actuator is supported on the tube in communication with the piston through the tube for moving the piston relative to the tube to an extended position in a designated time interval during a simulated vehicle rollover. The piston defines teeth, and a ratchet is supported on the tube and engages the teeth of the piston for preventing movement of the piston relative to the tube toward the retracted position during or after the simulated vehicle rollover.