2855results about How to "Optimize allocation" patented technology

The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.

Apparatus and methods perform transactions in a secure environment between an individual and another party, such as a merchant, in various embodiments. The individual possesses a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, that can encrypt data according to a public key infrastructure. The individual authenticates the individual's identity to the device, thereby unlocking credentials that may be used in a secure transaction. The individual causes the device to communicate the credentials, in a secure fashion, to an electronic system of a relying party, in order to obtain the relying party's authorization to enter the transaction. The relying party system determines whether to grant the authorization, and communicates the grant and the outcome of the transaction to the device using encryption according to the public key infrastructure.

An electronic media distribution system which facilitates the distribution of media to consumers over a network, such as the Internet, while achieving commercial business objectives and protecting the intellectual property rights associated with the media being distributed. The system provides the infrastructure and support for various market participants to engage in buying, selling, finding and distributing music. The system provides an interface for consumers to locate, access and receive musical content over the Internet. The system facilitates continued control over the musical content sent to consumers by dynamically enforcing retailer agreements and restrictions governing the purchase, use, and distribution of the content. The system also provides a service to retailers and distributors in assisting with the management of sales and distribution of music over the Internet. Specifically, the system certifies and distributes retail offers for the content where the offers are dynamically updated by electronic contracts between the retailers and distributors of the music.

A system, method and various software tools enable a video hosting website to automatically identified unlicensed audio content in video files uploaded by users, and initiate a process by which the user can replace the unlicensed content with licensed audio content. An audio replacement tool is provided that enables the user to permanently mute the original, unlicensed audio content of a video file, or select a licensed audio file from a collection of licensed audio, and insert the selected in place of the original audio. Where a video file includes unlicensed audio, the video hosting website provides access to video files to a client device, along with an indication to the client device to mute the audio during playback of the video.

The present invention provides an internet based or locally hosted business to business full service secure commercial electronic marketplace which facilitates transactions between suppliers and buyers. The system transforms the suppliers' content into generic content and enables the suppliers to review, correct and update the supplier content. The system distributes the content back to the supplier and to selected buyers in a generic and usable format across multiple forums. The system further provides multiple levels of sourcing for the suppliers and buyers including a private on-contract sourcing level, a, private off-contract sourcing level, a private index off-contract sourcing level, a private supplier or seller sourcing level, a public buyer sourcing level, and content distribution for buy side sourcing levels, supply side sourcing levels, multi-buyer exchanges and multi-supplier exchanges.

Oligonucleotide and nucleotide amine analogs and methods of preparing and using these compounds are provided by the present invention.

A system and method suitable for removing both carbon-based contaminants and oxygen-based contaminants from a substrate within a single process chamber are disclosed.

The invention includes a method and apparatus for facilitating distribution of content from content sources to content distributors. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving meta-data associated with a content item available from the content source and propagating a notification regarding availability of the content item from the content source, where the notification comprises at least a portion of the associated meta-data. The meta-data is received from a content source from which the content item is available. The notification message for the content item, including at least a portion of the meta-data is propagated toward a content distributor, thereby enabling the content distributor to obtain a copy of the content item for use in serving requests for the content item originating from end users served by the content distributor.

A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM / FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox. The user accesses a server site via a PC and the Internet. From the server site, the user obtains a list of the devices in his or her Internet Personal Audio Network (IPAN) and what songs are on those devices. The IPAN includes an IPAN server, an IPAN client, and IPAN software stored on the network-enabled audio device. Thus, the network-enabled audio device provides people who are or are not comfortable with computers a way of taking music from various sources and putting it into one place for listening pleasure. In one embodiment, the Personal Computer (PC) is used to compose the playlists, but the user is able to listen to playlists and other audio sources without using the PC.

A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM / FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox. The user accesses a server site via a PC and the Internet. From the server site, the user obtains a list of the devices in his or her Internet Personal Audio Network (IPAN) and what songs are on those devices. The IPAN includes an IPAN server, an IPAN client, and IPAN software stored on the network-enabled audio device. Thus, the network-enabled audio device provides people who are or are not comfortable with computers a way of taking music from various sources and putting it into one place for listening pleasure. In one embodiment, the Personal Computer (PC) is used to compose the playlists, but the user is able to listen to playlists and other audio sources without using the PC.

A power toothbrush (10) is disclosed having a handle (15) containing a rechargeable battery (12), an ultrasonic drive circuit (14), a sonic component (16) such as a motor, and a control unit (18). The handle is connected to a toothbrush head (20) preferably having a plurality of bristles (26) and an ultrasonic transducer (22) that is operatively connected to a waveguide (24) that extends from the toothbrush head generally adjacent the bristles. The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid. It is contemplated that the waveguide may be utilized in manual or power toothbrushes, and in a combination without the sonic component, or in a combination without the ultrasonic transducer. Toothbrushes disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, and stimulating dental tissue.

A computer implemented method for allocating drivers and passengers sharing a trip, the method being executed by a trip sharing service, the method comprising:receiving a first service request;specifying a first potential trip data object by the trip sharing service;executing a matching method, the matching method checking the first potential trip data object against at least a second potential trip data object, the matching method comprising for each checking of the first against the second potential trip data objects the steps of:comparing the specifications of the first potential trip data object with the specifications of the at least one second potential trip data object,determining the degree of congruency of the specifications of the compared potential trip data objects,assigning one role to the first and the second user;adding the second potential trip data object to a result list in case the determined degree of congruency between the first and the second potential trip data object exceeds a predefined threshold.

A plasma apparatus, various components of the plasma apparatus, and an oxygen free and nitrogen free processes for effectively removing photoresist material and post etch residues from a substrate with a carbon and / or hydrogen containing low k dielectric layer(s).

Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and / or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable / expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable / expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable / expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

The pump includes a metering pump including a rotor, at least two lengths of tubing against which the rotor is movable to urge the drug therethrough, and an outlet port associated with each of the at least two lengths of tubing. In this way, a drug may be supplied to more than one neurological target.

A system and method of use for permanently archiving intellectual properties (IP) in a digital archival system. An owner contributes each IP with an initial financial contribution including a discrete archival endowment which is sufficient to fund archival of the IP for an assured archival period. A plurality of discrete archival endowments can be pooled into one or more archival endowment funds, jointly managed for the maintenance of each archived IP. The endowment funds can be managed by a trustee separate from the management of the digital archive. Retrieval can be funded through retrieval fees or an endowment maintained separate from the archival endowment fund. Digital rights management can remunerate owners and revenue tracking can capitalize the value of each IP. Access to the archive system is preferably through a variety of membership options including owners, users, and partners.

PCT No. PCT / EP96 / 05140 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 23, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 23, 1998 PCT Filed Nov. 21, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 19206 PCT Pub. Date May 29, 1997The invention relates to a method for the electrolytic deposition of metal coatings, in particular of copper coatings with certain physical-mechanical and optical properties and uniform coating thickness. According to known methods using soluble anodes and applying direct current, only uneven metal distribution can be attained on complex shaped workpieces. By using a pulse current or pulse voltage method, the problem of the coatings being of varying thickness at various places on the workpiece surfaces can indeed be reduced. However, the further problem of the geometric ratios being changed continuously during the depositing process by dissolving of the anodes is not resolved thus. This can be avoided by using insoluble anodes. In order to guarantee sufficient stability of the anodes and a bright coating even at those points on the workpiece surfaces, onto which the metal is deposited with high current density, it is essential to add compounds of an electrochemically reversible redox system to the depositing solution.

A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface.

Settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. In one embodiment, a purchasing system arranges through a communication network for a buyer to purchase a product from a seller at a first price. The purchasing system also arranges for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer that offers the product for sale at a second price. Payment of an amount based on the first price is received from the buyer, and the purchasing system arranges for the retailer to receive payment of an amount based on a settlement price in exchange for providing the product to the buyer.

Mass spectrometry of large nucleic acids by infrared Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization (MALDI) using a liquid matrix is reported.

Methods, devices, and computer program products facilitate the application of a content use policy based on watermarks that are embedded in a content. Watermark extraction and content screening operations, which can include the application of content usage enforcement actions, may be organized such that some or all of the operations can be conducted at different times by different devices. These operations can be conducted by one or more trusted devices that reside in a networked environment. The authenticity of various devices can be verified through the exchange of certificates that can further enable such devices to ascertain capabilities of one another. Based on the ascertained capabilities, an operational configuration for conducting watermark extraction and content screening can be determined.

A virtual smartcard and methods for creating the same are provided. A virtual smartcard is a set of computer-implemented processes, associated with an individual, which simulate the behavior of a physical smartcard or other authentication token containing a hardware security module. In one embodiment, a computer receives credential data derived from the physical credential and authentication data pertinent to the individual such as a biometric imprint, and creates a virtual smartcard by storing the credential data in association with the authentication data in a network storage. The credential data may later be used for identification and encryption purposes upon the individual providing the authentication data to the network storage, even if the physical credential itself has been lost. Thus, the virtual smartcard provides a network-based method for backing up a passport, driver's license, credit card, public transportation card, or other such identification card or device.

A system and or / methodology that facilitates organizing content on a portable communications device to generate a compilation (e.g., presentation) containing the organized content. The system and / or methodology includes an authoring component that associates content of a first type with a subset of other content and a sharing component that communicates and distributes the associated content. The subject invention can include a visual content input component that receives visual content and another content input component that can generate and organize other content in accordance with a user preference. The other content can include any content type known in the art including, but not limited to, visual, audible, text or the like.

The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for distributing a broadband wireless signal in a building. The disclosed methods and systems feature a wireless broadband transmitter associated with multiple base antennas, where the base antennas are inserted into one or more ducts of the ventilation system of the building. Communication between the transmitter and receivers within the building may be optimized by selecting, modifying or controlling a configuration parameter of at least one of the multiple base antennas to enhance distribution of the wireless broadband signal within the ducts of the ventilation system and between the transmitter and device receivers.

A redundant array of independent nodes are networked together. Each node executes an instance of an application that provides object-based storage. The nodes are grouped into systems each having multiple nodes. A search index is provided in each system for locating objects within the system. A method of managing the search index comprises splitting the search index into shards to be divided among a plurality of regions (704). The regions are larger in number than the nodes in the system. Each region has a master and at least one backup copy of one of the shards. A shard core is a master or backup copy of a shard. The method further comprises distributing the shard cores to the nodes, and providing a region mapping table in each node in the system to map the shard cores to the nodes in which the shard cores are stored (706).

A spike assembly for facilitating the supply of a fluid from a container to a hypodermic syringe, fluid conduit extending therethrough between first and second ends of a body, a piercing member located at the first end for piercing into the container to form a fluid sealing engagement therebetween, a fluid seal, and a vent having a plurality of preprinted indicia bands with protective removable covers disposed around the outside surface of the vent which corresponds to a user details of the container contents.

This invention provides an optical imaging lens system including five lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side toward an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, a second lens element with negative refractive power, a third lens element having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, a fourth lens element having both surfaces being aspheric, a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface with at least one inflection point formed thereon. By such arrangement, the total track length and the sensitivity of the optical imaging lens system can be reduced while achieving high image resolution.