Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080282311 | Subscribing to Programming Packages - Methods and systems for enabling users visiting a friend or family member to subscribe to a TV programming package that the friend or family member currently subscribes to. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a user-interface (UI) via the friend's set-top box to enable entry of visitor user identification information. This information, along with programming identification information is then sent to the service provider for the programming package. The service provider retrieves or generates information by which a UI may be generated to easily enable the visitor to setup and activate the programming package and sends it to the visitor's home set-top box. In another embodiment, programming package identification information is stored on a portable storage medium and carried to the visitor's home set-top box, where it is read to retrieve the identification information. The information is then sent to the service provider, which sends back appropriate data to generate the UI. | 11-13-2008 |
20100175092 | Customer Self Service In Interactive TV Environment for TV Programming Packages - Method and system for enabling users to perform self-service operations in interactive TV environments. In one embodiment, the method enables users to select and activate programming packages via a set-top box, thereby eliminating the need for the users to have to call a call center to activate the unit. Using a set of interactive screens, the user is enabled to view various programming package information, including comparative information. In one embodiment, the method assists users who are moving to activate/reactive broadcast services. For example, options are provided to enable the user to schedule service work, disconnect and activate services, and other activities connected with the move. In another embodiment, the method enables a user to select a programming package based on packages that are recommended by the system. Historic usage patterns, including viewing habits and attempts to access unavailable content are analyzed to determine which programming packages should be recommended for the user. | 07-08-2010 |
20110209174 | Programming and Content Recommendations - Method and system for enabling users to perform self-service operations in interactive TV environments. In one embodiment, the method enables users to select and activate programming channels via a content receiving device, thereby eliminating the need for the users to have to call a call center or content provider to activate previously unavailable or inaccessible content. Using a set of interactive screens, the user is enabled to view programming channel information, including comparative information. In one embodiment, the method assists users who are moving to activate/reactive programming and content services. For example, options are provided to enable the user to schedule service work, disconnect and activate services, and other activities connected with the move. In another embodiment, the method enables a user to select a programming channel based on channels that are recommended by the system. Historic usage patterns, including viewing habits and attempts to access unavailable content are analyzed to determine which programming channels should be recommended for the user. | 08-25-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080287919 | System and method for effecting non-standard fluid line connections - A Luer-like non-standard quick disconnect medical fluid connector that cannot be engaged with a standard Luer fitting. | 11-20-2008 |
20090265113 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR HEAT EXCHANGE CATHETER - A heat exchange system for an indwelling catheter is tested for proper operation by observing whether a fluid temperature is within a command zone range and if not whether temperature moves toward the range or equalizes with it within predetermined parameters after a pump has stopped, and only if temperature exhibits none of the tested-for conditions indicating an error. | 10-22-2009 |
20110144730 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAK DETECTION IN EXTERNAL COOLING PAD - An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad, | 06-16-2011 |
20120210771 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAK DETECTION IN EXTERNAL COOLING PAD - An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad, | 08-23-2012 |
20130038457 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAK DETECTION IN EXTERNAL COOLING PAD - An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad. | 02-14-2013 |
20130166005 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAK DETECTION IN EXTERNAL COOLING PAD - An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad. | 06-27-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130323877 | METHODOLOGY FOR FORMING PNICTIDE COMPOSITIONS SUITABLE FOR USE IN MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES - The present invention provides methods for making pnictide compositions, particularly photoactive and/or semiconductive pnictides. In many embodiments, these compositions are in the form of thin films grown on a wide range of suitable substrates to be incorporated into a wide range of microelectronic devices, including photovoltaic devices, photodetectors, light emitting diodes, betavoltaic devices, thermoelectric devices, transistors, other optoelectronic devices, and the like. As an overview, the present invention prepares these compositions from suitable source compounds in which a vapor flux is derived from a source compound in a first processing zone, the vapor flux is treated in a second processing zone distinct from the first processing zone, and then the treated vapor flux, optionally in combination with one or more other ingredients, is used to grow pnictide films on a suitable substrate. | 12-05-2013 |
20140360566 | METHOD OF MAKING PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES INCORPORATING IMPROVED PNICTIDE SEMICONDUCTOR FILMS USING METALLIZATION/ANNEALING/REMOVAL TECHNIQUES - The present invention provides methods of making photovoltaic devices incorporating improved pnictide semiconductor films. In particular, the principles of the present invention are used to improve the surface quality of pnictide films. Photovoltaic devices incorporating these films demonstrate improved electronic performance. As an overview, the present invention involves a methodology that metalizes the pnictide film, anneals the metalized film under conditions that tend to form an alloy between the pnictide film and the alloy, and then removes the excess metal and at least a portion of the alloy. In one mode of practice, the pnictide semiconductor is Zinc phosphide and the metal is Magnesium. | 12-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100311060 | Integrated Chip Carriers With Thermocycler Interfaces And Methods Of Using The Same - Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source. | 12-09-2010 |
20110265304 | INTEGRATED CHIP CARRIERS WITH THERMOCYCLER INTERFACES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source. | 11-03-2011 |
20130078610 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THERMAL CYCLING OF MICROFLUIDIC SAMPLES - A thermal cycler for a microfluidic device includes a controller operable to provide a series of electrical signals, a heat sink, and a heating element in thermal communication with the heat sink and operable to receive the series of electrical signals from the controller. The thermal cycler also includes a thermal chuck in thermal communication with the heating element. The thermal chuck comprises a heating surface operable to make thermal contact with the microfluidic device. The heating surface is characterized by a temperature ramp rate between 2.5 degrees Celsius per second and 5.5 degrees Celsius per second and a temperature difference between a first portion of the heating surface supporting a first portion of the microfluidic device and a second portion of the heating surface supporting a second portion of the microfluidic device is less than 0.25° C. | 03-28-2013 |
20130295602 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPLE SINGLE-CELL CAPTURING AND PROCESSING USING MICROFLUIDICS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for multiple single-cell capturing and processing utilizing microfluidics. Tools and techniques are provided for capturing, partitioning, and/or manipulating individual cells from a larger population of cells along with generating genetic information and/or reactions related to each individual cell. Different capture configurations may be utilized to capture individual cells and then processing each individual cell in a multi-chamber reaction configuration. Some embodiments may provide for specific target amplification, whole genome amplification, whole transcriptome amplification, real-time PCR preparation, copy number variation, preamplification, mRNA sequencing, and/or haplotyping of the multiple individual cells that have been partitioned from the larger population of cells. Some embodiments may provide for other applications. Some embodiments may be configured for imaging the individual cells or associated reaction products as part of the processing. Reaction products may be harvested and/or further analyzed in some cases. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296196 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPLE SINGLE-CELL CAPTURING AND PROCESSING USING MICROFLUIDICS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for multiple single-cell capturing and processing utilizing microfluidics. Tools and techniques are provided for capturing, partitioning, and/or manipulating individual cells from a larger population of cells along with generating genetic information and/or reactions related to each individual cell. Different capture configurations may be utilized to capture individual cells and then processing each individual cell in a multi-chamber reaction configuration. Some embodiments may provide for specific target amplification, whole genome amplification, whole transcriptome amplification, real-time PCR preparation, copy number variation, preamplification, mRNA sequencing, and/or haplotyping of the multiple individual cells that have been partitioned from the larger population of cells. Some embodiments may provide for other applications. Some embodiments may be configured for imaging the individual cells or associated reaction products as part of the processing. Reaction products may be harvested and/or further analyzed in some cases. | 11-07-2013 |
20130302807 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPLE SINGLE-CELL CAPTURING AND PROCESSING USING MICROFLUIDICS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for multiple single-cell capturing and processing utilizing microfluidics. Tools and techniques are provided for capturing, partitioning, and/or manipulating individual cells from a larger population of cells along with generating genetic information and/or reactions related to each individual cell. Different capture configurations may be utilized to capture individual cells and then processing each individual cell in a multi-chamber reaction configuration. Some embodiments may provide for specific target amplification, whole genome amplification, whole transcriptome amplification, real-time PCR preparation, copy number variation, preamplification, mRNA sequencing, and/or haplotyping of the multiple individual cells that have been partitioned from the larger population of cells. Some embodiments may provide for other applications. Some embodiments may be configured for imaging the individual cells or associated reaction products as part of the processing. Reaction products may be harvested and/or further analyzed in some cases. | 11-14-2013 |
20130302883 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPLE SINGLE-CELL CAPTURING AND PROCESSING USING MICROFLUIDICS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for multiple single-cell capturing and processing utilizing microfluidics. Tools and techniques are provided for capturing, partitioning, and/or manipulating individual cells from a larger population of cells along with generating genetic information and/or reactions related to each individual cell. Different capture configurations may be utilized to capture individual cells and then processing each individual cell in a multi-chamber reaction configuration. Some embodiments may provide for specific target amplification, whole genome amplification, whole transcriptome amplification, real-time PCR preparation, copy number variation, preamplification, mRNA sequencing, and/or haplotyping of the multiple individual cells that have been partitioned from the larger population of cells. Some embodiments may provide for other applications. Some embodiments may be configured for imaging the individual cells or associated reaction products as part of the processing. Reaction products may be harvested and/or further analyzed in some cases. | 11-14-2013 |
20130302884 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPLE SINGLE-CELL CAPTURING AND PROCESSING USING MICROFLUIDICS - Methods, systems, and devices are described for multiple single-cell capturing and processing utilizing microfluidics. Tools and techniques are provided for capturing, partitioning, and/or manipulating individual cells from a larger population of cells along with generating genetic information and/or reactions related to each individual cell. Different capture configurations may be utilized to capture individual cells and then processing each individual cell in a multi-chamber reaction configuration. Some embodiments may provide for specific target amplification, whole genome amplification, whole transcriptome amplification, real-time PCR preparation, copy number variation, preamplification, mRNA sequencing, and/or haplotyping of the multiple individual cells that have been partitioned from the larger population of cells. Some embodiments may provide for other applications. Some embodiments may be configured for imaging the individual cells or associated reaction products as part of the processing. Reaction products may be harvested and/or further analyzed in some cases. | 11-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140074016 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. | 03-13-2014 |
20150105728 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. | 04-16-2015 |