RF CMOS transistor design

US Patent 8,952,424
February 10, 2015
An improved RF CMOS transistor design is described. Local, narrow interconnect lines, which are located substantially above the active area of the transistor, are each connected to either a source terminal or a drain terminal. The source and the drain terminal are arranged orthogonally to the local interconnect lines and each terminal is significantly wider than a local interconnect line. In an example, the local interconnect lines are formed in a first metal layer and the source and drain terminals are formed in one or more subsequent metal layers.

Media content device chassis with internal extension members

US Patent 8,953,324
February 3, 2015
A media content receiving device, such as a set top box, includes a chassis that incorporates a heat bridge, a heat shield or both. The heat bridge may take the form of a structural wall coupled to, but preferably integrated with, the chassis to facilitate conductive heat transfer into a chassis panel. The heat bridge may be configured to receive heat radiated from a chip having a die to be cooled. The heat shield may take the form of a wall-type structure protruding from a chassis panel. For example, the heat shield may extend from a top panel of the chassis in a fin-like or flange-like manner to provide a thermal barrier between adjacent electrical components arranged on a circuit board. While the heat shield protects the adjacent component from potential thermal damage or degradation, it may also operate to transfer heat into the chassis.

Methods and systems for content availability based on location

US Patent 8,949,946
February 3, 2015
Access to protected content is based on a client device being within a region. The region may be a mobile or movable region, and/or a region that is in motion. In some embodiments, the region may be determined based on a distance from a position within the region, or based on a boundary about the position that need not be symmetrical. In some embodiments, the region is a three dimensional region. In some embodiments, being within the region is further based on the region being above a defined altitude. In further embodiments, a determination for access is based on whether the client device is detected to be in motion relative to the region.

Access controls for known content

US Patent 8,949,879
February 3, 2015
Personalized access controls associated with digital media are provided. The system records access controls associated with specific digital media assets in a digital library and creates policy decisions regarding use of the asset based on these settings. Data management for the access controls is also specified, including on an individual and group basis.

Web-based electronically signed documents

US Patent 8,949,708
February 3, 2015
Techniques for electronic signature process management are described. Some embodiments provide an electronic signature service (“ESS”) configured to manage electronic signature processes represented by way of templates. In some embodiments, the ESS transmits a URL or other identifier of a template that specifies required electronic signature data, such as a singer name and/or signature. Then, the ESS dynamically prepares a form based on a received request for the identified template. Next, the ESS receives the electronic signature data by causing the form to be presented by a Web browser or other client. In some embodiments, the ESS and associated client systems perform these techniques without use of a Portable Document Format processing module.

Systems and methods for distributed electronic signature documents

US Patent 8,949,706
February 3, 2015
Systems and methods for distributed electronic signature documents. A method for distributed electronic signature documents includes creating a signing template that contains information about how a signable document is to be signed. A signable document is created to be distributed to a signer for signing. The signable document is electronically transmitted to the signer. A message is sent using an activatable control in the signing document to a web signing server to invoke the signing process. A browser window is opened on a signer’s computer in order to execute the signing process.

Network clustering

US Patent 8,948,178
February 3, 2015
A network clustering facility is described. The network clustering facility receives a message having a location identification that identifies a destination for the message and comprises at least two components, selects a network node identified by the components of the location identification, determines whether a link exists to the selected network node, and identifies a best link to the selected network node. The network clustering facility comprises a clustering subsystem, an advertising subsystem, and a routing layer.

Electronic thermostat

US Patent 8,943,846
February 3, 2015
Provided are apparatus, including electronic thermostats, for detecting temperatures and elapsed times and, in response to those temperatures and elapsed times, controlling the opening or closing of an electric circuit.

Apparatus for continuous inclination adjustment of a pivotable vehicle part

US Patent 8,944,512
February 3, 2015
The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous inclination adjustment of a component part of a vehicle, in particular a pivotable vehicle armrest, pivotable about a pivot axle. The apparatus is configured to lock various angles of inclination in a first pivoting direction and unlock them when a pre-settable angle of inclination is reached and/or exceeded. This allows the pivotable component part of the vehicle to be moved back into a starting position contrary to the first pivoting direction. The continuous inclination adjustment apparatus has a sleeve freewheel device for setting the continuous inclination, a coupling device for coupling and uncoupling the sleeve freewheel device and a control device for actuating the coupling device.

Captains bed having integrated shelving and slideout features

US Patent 8,943,624
February 3, 2015
A bed is disclosed including first and second platform portions, the first including drawers and slideout features that are vertically offset to serve as chairs and a desk. The second platform portion supports a portion of a mattress and a panel for supporting the mattress. The second platform may include vertical supports flush with lateral panels of the first platform portion and may include laterally extending shelves and a horizontal support positioned to support the mattress. The drawers and slideout features may be mounted in modules positioned in rows to define the first platform. A slideout platform may slide out from a foot of the bed and may include a vertical panel that is flush with a back panel of the second platform portion.